Explosive Man Utd, Tottenham target put up for sale, with record-breaking bid still required despite price drop
Inter Milan are reportedly open to selling a Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea-linked attacker, though will still command a huge fee despite dropping their demands, per a report.
Lautaro Martinez was part of the World Cup-winning Argentina squad in Qatar and showed up in some key moments, despite having a shaky tournament overall.
The Premier League trio have been interested in Martinez for a while, so today’s update will come as good news to them. That is, however, if they are willing to stump up a massive fee.
As mentioned, Martinez played an important role for Argentina in the World Cup, providing an assist for Lionel Messi’s extra-time goal in the final, as well as scoring the decisive penalty in the quarter-final shootout with the Netherlands.
However, you couldn’t describe the Inter player as one of their best performers after falling behind Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez in the pecking order early on in the tournament.
As reported by La Gazzetta Dello Sport via Football.Italia, Inter would be willing to sell Martinez should an offer of €100m (approx. £87m) be submitted.
That would be a record sum for Tottenham, but is still lower than the €111m (approx. £98m) Inter were previously demanding.
There is a pressing need for a deal to be done for Inter, as they are aware a top player will need to be sold to help resolve their ongoing financial issues.
Since joining the club in 2018, the Argentinian striker has scored an impressive 82 goals in 202 games, as well as contributing 30 assists.
This season, the Argentinian has continued his prolific form, netting seven goals in 15 league appearances so far.
So, while Martinez may not have reached the heights he is capable of during the World Cup, he has always been a consistently high-level performer for Inter.
Man Utd, Spurs and Chelsea all seeking striker reinforcements
The move would make practical sense for all three of the Premier League teams he has been heavily linked with.
Manchester United need a new centre-forward following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November.
Marcus Rashford has been the Red Devils’ most reliable attacking option so far this season, contributing four goals and two assists from 14 league appearances.
But, if United are to maintain their push for the top four, they need more consistent goal-scorers at their disposal and Martinez would be a great addition for Ten Hag, in this sense.
Cody Gakpo is their primary target and a January bid of around £43m is being readied, however. If United do land the Dutchman, they may have no need to sign Martinez too.
As for Spurs, they have recently received some bad news after it was confirmed that Richarlison will be sidelined for at least five weeks, so Antonio Conte could do with some more cover for Harry Kane.
Saying that, £88m is a hell of a lot of money to spend on a temporary fix, especially when Spurs already have a top-quality number nine in Harry Kane.
Chelsea could also do with another attacking addition after an injury to Armando Broja has ruled him out until the end of the season.
This leaves Graham Potter with only Aubameyang and imminent new young signing Datro Fofana at his disposal.
Martinez definitely possesses the firepower necessary for Chelsea’s push for the top four, but with Christopher Nkunku set to arrive on a £68m deal next season… you again wonder whether Martinez would want to join a club that will have at least four quality attackers in their ranks next season.
With all that in mind, a move to Manchester United certainly seems the most logical destination for Martinez if he does make a move in January.
However, a summer move is reportedly the most likely scenario. With Nkunku set to join Chelsea next summer, Spurs and United may wind up Martinez’s primary suitors, unless the latter move for someone like Gakpo first, of course.
