Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who has been tipped to leave Italy at the end of this term. They are touted to battle out the likes of Arsenal in their pursuit of the Argentine International, as per a report from The Sun.
Martinez, 24, has been a prolific goal scorer for both the country and club. The striker has netted the ball on 11 occasions and laid two of them in 22 appearances for Inter in the Serie A, this season.
The Argentine has been a vital cog in the wheel for the league leaders in their quest to defend their Scudetto. He has been riding high on confidence after seeing his national side through to the FIFA 2022 World Cup by scoring seven goals and three assists in 15 appearances in the Qualifiers.
The Race for the Argentine Prospect
Manchester City’s top priority Erling Haaland’s future is still in unknown territory. With the Dortmund striker eyeing a move to La Liga, it makes sense for the defending champions to have a plan B in the form of Lautaro Martinez.
On the flip side, Arsenal are in pursuit of reinforcements in their attacking third and are said to be tracking Martinez for the past 12 months.
After failing to acquire his services in the previous summer, the Gunners are considering Martinez alongside a host of other strikers, including Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, claims the source.
Martinez’s situation at San Siro
After losing Lukaku in the previous summer, Inter weren’t keen on losing another heavyweight in their attacking third.
However, Martinez’s contract at the San Siro expires in 2026 and the defending Serie A champions are keen to cash in on their prized asset, given his market value and his agreement running without a release clause, adds the source. This would allow Inter to demand a hefty sum for the Argentinian striker.
How could Martinez fit into the City setup
Martinez is a prolific goal scorer and could be tailor-made for the Premier League. The Argentine is considered to be one of the best in the business in the attacking third.
The 24-year-old could be an invaluable addition to the Manchester City ranks, considering his pace, heading, and finishing abilities. Martinez could well be the final piece of the jigsaw in an already well-oiled City unit.
The final verdict
Inter Milan aren’t going to lose their top asset for anything less than £60 million. Manchester City can’t be the second-best side given their financial muscle and could offer aplenty for the Argentine, thereby pipping Arsenal out of competition.
Moreover, Martinez could develop under a lethal striker under Pep Guardiola. Not to forget, it was Pep after all, who unleashed the true Lionel Messi in the false nine role.