Man City offer forward in return for Inter Milan star; told to pay €60-70m instead
Manchester City reportedly offered one of their forwards as part of a swap deal to sign Lautaro Martinez, but Inter Milan have told them to pay between €60-70million (£51-59m).
Martinez joined Inter in July 2018 and has been a regular goalscorer ever since. His best campaign came two seasons ago, when he bagged 21 goals in 49 matches in all competitions.
The striker also found the net 17 times last season as Inter ended their wait for a Serie A title. Under Antonio Conte’s guidance, they finished in top spot with 91 points.
Martinez is once again causing defenders in Italy all sorts of problems this campaign. His record stands at 11 strikes in 21 league matches so far.
The Argentina international recently penned a new Inter contract which lasts until 2026. But rumours of a Premier League switch continue to swirl.
City have signed Julian Alvarez from River Plate to become Sergio Aguero’s successor at the Etihad. But the 22-year-old may not feature in a City shirt until next January as he is back on loan at River Plate.
For an immediate striker solution, Pep Guardiola’s side are reportedly looking into the possibility of landing Martinez.
Inter could be forced into Lautaro Martinez sale
Sport Witness, who cite reports in Italy, claim Inter may have to sell the player this summer and City are preparing to pounce. That is because Guardiola is a ‘great admirer’ of Martinez.
The Citizens have proposed a swap deal which would see Gabriel Jesus move to the Nerazzurri in Martinez’s place. But Simone Inzaghi’s team have rejected the offer as they ‘only want cash’.
As such, City have been told to stump up between €60-70m for the goalscorer. They certainly have the funds to do that, as shown by the big-money signings of Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias in recent years.
But the Premier League leaders will have to put on a serious charm offensive to convince Martinez to join. He appears settled with Inter after penning that long-term contract in October.
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Guardiola reacts as unbeaten run continues
City’s most recent outing ended in a 2-0 home win over Brentford on Wednesday night. Riyad Mahrez put them in front from the penalty spot before Kevin de Bruyne capitalised on a David Raya error, giving City all three points.
That victory took their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions. It also put City 12 points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, although the Reds have two games in hand.
During a post-match interview with BT Sport, Guardiola said: “They [Brentford] are so difficult to attack. Aggressive, high pressing, we build up they drop and defend so deep.
“Be patient, make no mistakes and in the end we got the result.
“Very satisfied with the performance. We conceded one shot, a few corners and were patient. Difficult when they defend deep with 10 players in their 18-yard box.”
READ MORE: Man City to follow Julian Alvarez deal with two more Argentine starlets as initial talks held
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