Chelsea chasing their super Mario

But owner Roman Abramovich is likely to have to stump up another big fee to beat off competition from AC Milan, Juventus and Roma for a goalscorer known as 'Mister Zuverlassig' (Mr Reliable) and tipped to be a star of Euro 2008 for the Germans.

Andriy Shevchenko, the most expensive mistake of Abramovich's reign, is on his way out of Stamford Bridge, but 6ft 2in goal machine Gomez could also be a straight replacement for Didier Drogba if the Ivory Coast striker goes to AC Milan, or wherever ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho takes his next job.

Gomez, 22, was Germany's player of the year last season after inspiring Stuttgart to the title and although the team have struggled to maintain their standards, he has 23 goals in 24 appearances this term.

Chelsea scouts have watched him at least four times and on the last occasion saw him claim a stunning hat-trick in a 6-3 win over Werder Bremen, whose attacking midfielder Diego has been touted as a successor to Frank Lampard.

The son of a Spanish father and German mother, Gomez has scored four goals in eight appearances for Germany and good performances at Euro 2008 will send his price tag of £10million spiralling upwards.

He has four years left on his Stuttgart contract, signed only last year, but both club and player expect him to move this summer.

Gomez said: 'I am happy in Stuttgart but I desire to progress in football. If a major offer comes in, I have agreed with my club that I can have talks.

'I consider I am capable of playing in the big European leagues. I watch the Premier League and it is one of the best in the world. I know Chelsea scouts have watched matches.'

Stuttgart sporting director Horst Held said: 'At the moment we are not optimistic about Mario's future at the club. If a big offer arrives from a top European club, selling is the norm.'