Manchester City inch ahead in signing of coveted Serie A striker

Manchester City have reportedly received a major transfer boost in pursuit of Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

According to Tuttosport( via Football Italia), Inter have identified the potential long-term replacement for Martinez in Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram. Martínez has been linked with a move away from Inter in recent weeks.

Martinez’s situation at San Siro 

Martinez, 24, has been a prolific goal scorer for Inter netting the ball on 11 occasions and laying down 2 of them in 24 appearances in the Serie A for Simeone Inzaghi’s side.

The Argentine’s contract at the San Siro runs up to 2026, after a recent contract extension. Inter weren’t going to let off their mainstay in the previous summer after losing Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in a whopping £100 million deal.

Nevertheless, with Manchester City and Liverpool relentless over Martinez’s arrival on the English shores, Inter have shifted to plan B, which implies cashing in on their prized asset with the striker’s market value hovering around the £80 million mark.

Manchester City activate plan B

Haaland’s decision to play in La Liga has disrupted Manchester City’s transfer plans for the upcoming summer. But, City have learned their lessons from the past and were quick in activating plan B, in pursuit of his alternatives.

Lautaro Martinez has been constantly linked to the Cityzens lately, with Guardiola being a fond admirer of the 24-year-old’s skill set and his vision for the goal.

Martinez could be a perfect foil for the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez in the attacking third with his precision and hawk-like vision. He would be tailor-made for the position-based system at the Etihad.

City’s rivals in pursuit of Martinez

The Skyblues are tipped to battle out the likes of Liverpool and Atletico Madrid for the signature of the 24-year-old.

Reigning La Liga champions are said to be the best-placed side to land Lautaro Martinez, but, it does depend on the financial contract offered, in which case City will certainly fancy their chances.

Final Verdict

Manchester City would be itching to get their hands on one of the hottest prospects in the Serie A and would be ready to splash whatever it takes to land Martinez if the Haaland deal doesn’t pan out.

Even for Martinez, Guardiola could provide him the wings under which he can flourish and unlock his true potential at the biggest stage in World Football.