Chelsea Transfer News: Andrea Belotti Price Discussed Amid Fresh Arsenal Rumours

Torino president Urbano Cairo has said he'd revalue striker Andrea Belotti's release at €150 million (£130 million) if he could, putting reported suitors Chelsea and Arsenal on alert ahead of the summer transfer window.

Both Premier League giants have been linked with the Italy frontman in recent months, but Cairo reiterated his desire to keep hold of the hitman after he scored an eight-minute hat-trick against Palermo.

Per Adam Shergold of MailOnline, Cairo told Sky Italia:

"

We set Belotti's clause and it's true that we would be forced to sell him abroad for that sum if he agreed to the move. However, in Italy I still have the right to refuse all offers, or the player could decide not to leave even if there are offers above 100m euros (£86m).

I don't think we can raise the clause now, as we only just signed the contract. Of course, if I was negotiating it today, it should be 150m euros (£130m).

"

Torino trailed Palermo 1-0 for most of their Sunday meeting, but three goals between the 73rd and 81st minutes saw Belotti almost single-handedly pull Torino in front following a masterclass in finishing.

The 23-year-old already has an €100 million (£86 million) release clause in his contract, but Cairo went on to compare his talisman with some of the world's most highly valued stars to justify his comments.

He said: "The idea of the clause came to me after he scored against Roma in our home game. At 100m euros you sell players like Paul Pogba, Gonzalo Higuain and Gareth Bale."

Belotti only extended his contract in December, however, meaning a new deal is unlikely, although BT Sport's Adam Summerton highlighted Torino are already liable to make a considerable profit in the event they sell:

One would think Chelsea are the far more likely to spend a fee of £86 million on one player out of the two aforementioned English clubs, particularly with ex-Juventus manager Antonio Conte at their helm.

Belotti enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A last term, but 2016-17 has undoubtedly been the crowning moment of his career thus far as Sunday's hat-trick took him to the top of Italy's scoring charts (22), per Squawka:

Chelsea may also have more room for a new striker arrival this summer after Goal reported in February that Conte will address Diego Costa's status at the club, with the Spain international being linked with a move to China this past winter.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones said during the January transfer window that Costa will be gone from Stamford Bridge by the time next season starts, and current leaders Chelsea may be prepared to spend big in order to find his replacement:

As Cairo suggested, however, there is the chance Belotti wishes to remain in Turin and continue his development as a talisman rather than risk disrupting his trajectory with a move to one of Europe's powerhouses.

One thing for certain is Chelsea and Arsenal are likely to encounter widespread competition should they move for Belotti, who is quickly improving his reputation as one of the continent's most coveted finishers.