According to Calciomercato, Liverpool have identified Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez as a replacement for Roberto Firmino.
What’s the story?
Well, Firmino is now 30 years of age, and it seems Liverpool are beginning to think about replacing their No.9 after some wonderful years of service.
The Brazil international has scored 95 goals in 316 appearances for the Reds, while also providing 73 assists.
Now, however, Liverpool have set their sights on Martinez.
The Argentina international – who is six years younger than Firmino at 24 – won’t come cheap for Jürgen Klopp.
Calciomercato believe Inter Milan value Martinez at €90m (£75m), which would equal their club-record transfer fee – the £75m deal for Virgil van Dijk.
So far this season, the South American has scored 12 goals in 33 appearances.
In Firmino’s case, he has scored eight goals in 24 games.
Lautaro Martinez would thrive at Liverpool
The Inter Milan No.10 is a very intense player, who we feel would slot seamlessly into Klopp’s gegenpressing style.
Specifically, he has the ability to replace Firmino, and perhaps outdo the Brazilian.
One thing Firmino is particularly good at is linking the play and providing assists for the likes of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah.
Last season, Martinez provided 11 assists in all competitions, which is a fantastic return, while also scoring 19 goals as well.
This transfer talk is also another sign of Liverpool’s excellent future-proofing. For example, Mane is now 29, so the 25-year-old Luis Diaz was signed to eventually take his starting role, it seems.
If Klopp can construct a frontline of Diaz, Martinez and Salah at Anfield, Liverpool will surely win silverware with ease.
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