The agent of £18 million-rated Inter Milan striker Martin Satriano admits he held talks with Premier League outfit Southampton before the San Siro starlet joined Empoli on loan, speaking to Calciomercato.
Inter to Empoli; it’s a path well-travelled these days.
Satriano is following in the footsteps of fellow Nerrazzuri export Andrea Pinamonti at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, while the talented Kristjan Allsani moved in the other direction over the summer.
Pinamonti scored 13 goals during his loan spell at Empoli in 2021/22 before then moving onto Sassuolo for big-money. Satriano, meanwhile, has his heart set on forcing his way into Simone Inzaghi’s star-studded frontline when he makes his own San Siro return in 2023.
“He is fine at Empoli. And especially in this moment of his career in which he must explode, it is important that he plays,” explains Maytum, pointing out that regular game-time is a must for a player looking to force his way into Uruguay’s World Cup squad.
“There is the World Cup in November. I hope he can continue to play almost all the games as a starter. And that he continues to score, in order to have the opportunity to (secure a place in Uruguay’s squad).”
“Inter is a very big club that has important strikers. But, in his mind, there is the goal of improving every day. And hopefully, one day, becoming Inter’s number nine.”
Southampton like Inter Milan striker Martin Satriano
The £18 million-rated Satriano, likened to Karim Benzema due to his excellent movement and technical ability and labelled the ‘new Luis Suarez‘ by some, was linked with the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest over the summer.
Maytum, meanwhile, admits that Southampton also made enquiries for the one-time Arsenal target on the back of an excellent stint in France with Stade Brest.
“There were some interested teams in France, England and Italy,” the agent adds. “But Empoli are famous for helping young people grow.
“I talked to Nice and Southampton before the start of the summer transfer market. They had followed him and I think they will continue to do so if (his form) continues.”
21-year-old Satriano certainly ticks a lot of boxes for Southampton; hungry, young and boasting colossal re-sale potential. The Saints signed six players this summer alone aged 20 or younger after all. Gavin Bazunu, Sekou Mara and the exceptional Armel Bella-Kotchap have all made an immediate impression.
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