Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Serie A giants now ‘willing’ to sell key Man Utd striker target; Arsenal, Tottenham could scupper plans

Lautaro-martinez-and-victor-osimhen

Inter Milan are reportedly ‘willing’ to sell Manchester United striker target Lautaro Martinez, as they look to generate funds for a summer squad rebuild. 

Erik ten Hag’s summer priority is to bring in a quality centre-forward to provide support for Marcus Rashford. Now, the Red Devils could potentially make a bid for the Serie A star.

Martinez certainly has the potential to be a top signing for Man Utd. Although, the Red Devils have several other big names on their shortlist.

Indeed, as reported by TEAMtalk, Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen and Tottenham record scorer Harry Kane are thought to be Ten Hag’s top two striker targets.

However, with moves for both proving to be difficult, alternative candidates have begun to emerge. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, for example, is being looked at by Man Utd.

But, with Inter Milan now ‘willing’ to sell Martinez for £70m this summer, as per a report from Football InsiderTen Hag could switch his attention to the Argentina international.

Man Utd have been linked with a move for Martinez for a while. Although, Tottenham, Arsenal and Real Madrid have also registered an interest in him, so they could face competition for his signature.

READ MORE: Man Utd could hand Ten Hag world-class signing after ‘secret weapon’ emerges, with Klopp and Liverpool facing major mistake

Ten Hag eyeing Rashford support

Since joining Inter in 2018, Martinez has made 228 appearances, scoring 95 goals and making 32 assists in the process. This gives him an impressive average of 0.56 goal contributions per game.

This season, the 25-year-old has netted 17 times in 32 Serie A outings. He also helped Argentina to win their first World Cup since 1986 last year.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see several top clubs vying for Martinez’s signature. The only question is whether Man Utd, or indeed any club, are willing to meet his £70m price tag.

While that is a hefty fee, Martinez would actually be cheaper than both Kane and Osimhen – with the pair valued at £88m and £130m respectively.

Man Utd have enjoyed a solid season since Ten Hag’s arrival and currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League table.

As mentioned, Rashford’s unbelievable form has been key to their success. The England international has netted 29 goals across all competitions so far.

However, if the Red Devils want to become serial title challengers again, Rashford could certainly do with some attacking support.

As a result, it seems inevitable that Man Utd will bring in a big-money centre-forward ahead of next season.

The only question is whether it will be Martinez, Osimhen, Kane, Muani or a different target. But regardless, it will be a very interesting transfer window for Ten Hag and co.

READ MORE: Tottenham ‘keeping an eye’ on £50m Newcastle, Man Utd target as Levy prepares for squad revamp