CalcioMercato report that Arsenal and Manchester City are going head to head for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League last summer – namely Tottenham.
But the 24-year-old remained at Inter and after winning the Copa America with Argentina last summer, he has netted 12 goals in 31 games for Simone Inzaghi’s men. He has a contract at Inter until the summer of 2026.
Now, a new report claims he could be on his way to another Premier League club in the summer – in the form of Arsenal or Manchester City. But either side may be told to fork out his £97.5million release clause (Mail).
Arsenal’s finish this season in the Premier League might also be crucial to a move – with Martinez now a regular in the Champions League. Top four, and he could be tempted. Manchester City, of course, need a striker.
Martinez is one of Serie A’s best strikers and up there with the best in Europe. Romelu Lukaku is quoted by the Mail in 2020 as saying: “Amazing, the guy is really a beast. He is doing so well, he keeps improving.”
Arsenal or Manchester City for Inter ace Martinez – what is a fair price?
Arsenal desperately need a striker and it looks like they have a good chance of at least finishing in the top six – if they do not get fourth. So, either Champions League, or Europa League football. Martinez will be tempted.
He will easily be first choice with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah leaving in June, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moving to Barcelona. But the lure of titles with Manchester City might prove even more tempting.
City do have Gabriel Jesus, who is underrated. Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden have all played as false nines. But Martinez would give them a much-needed striker. For around £60million, he is a good buy.
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