Manchester City will reportedly challenge Barcelona for the signature of the highly-rated Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez according to claims in Italy and England
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are on the lookout for a long-term successor to Sergio Aguero and have identified Lautaro Martinez as a perfect candidate, per the Sports Illustrated.
The Sky Blues’ all-time highest goalscorer has gobbled over 250 goals across various competitions since his €23million arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
But, Aguero’s adventure at the Etihad is drawing to a close, as he seems highly unlikely to extend his contract that will expire at the end of the 2020/21 season.
Guardiola has been scouring Europe for the Argentinean star’s replacement after Gabriel Jesus failed to live up to expectations.
The Brazil international could also leave Manchester City this summer as part of the cash-plus-player deal for Lautaro Martinez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
After clearing their ban, Manchester City have now set their sights on Lautaro Martinez who they see becoming their Sergio Aguero heir & they're willing to spend big on him
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) July 16, 2020
According to Sky Sport UK pic.twitter.com/8jSTiep9BL
So far, the 22-year-old’s €100million release clause has been the main obstacle to his move to the Camp Nou, but the Premier League giants hope to reduce that price by including Jesus as a makeweight in the deal.
Martinez has been nothing short of outstanding since landing at the Giuseppe Meazza from Racing Club in summer 2018, racking up 27 goals and seven assists in 75 appearances in all competitions.
Although Inter remain hopeful of keeping their talisman despite foreign interest, the youngster reportedly has no intention of renewing a contract that runs out in summer 2023.
