Manchester City and Manchester United are both interested in signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to reports in the Italian media.
The Citizens are said to be looking for a long-term successor for Sergio Aguero and they have identified his fellow countryman as a potential option.
Martinez has scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Inter this campaign, and the Argentine has also attracted the interest of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Supporters on Twitter have been debating whether he would be a better choice than Gabriel Jesus:
Another one season wonder like jovic. Jesus better than martinez.
— Aga (@Ag_Arrda) November 13, 2019
@agkm74 yes yes yeah he’s twice the player Jesus is
— Vin (@Calvinroche1) November 13, 2019
Never gonna happen
— MLOGO (@MLOGO7) November 14, 2019
Just another way of creating unrest !!!
Stop biting at it !— Chris (@Bromster63) November 14, 2019
I’d take him over gabby
— Josh Chapman (@JoshMCFCctid) November 13, 2019
— Aldrey Noviello (@Aldreyn06) November 14, 2019
Disagree. Being interested in a meh player just to get United to pay 100m+ for him would make me ok with losing the PL. I say bring it on.
— Alfie (@Alfoid) November 14, 2019
I'd prefer Haaland
— Shiny.fang (@idhmkhld) November 13, 2019
I love Gabby but would take lautaro any day
— marek gucciano 1️⃣7️⃣ ⛵ (@LeRoiSan3) November 13, 2019
Ehh, no thanks. ?
— Konosuba (@Callum_J_Robson) November 13, 2019
The Inter star reportedly has a release fee of €111m (£95m) which can be triggered in a two week period between July 1st and July 15th next year. The buyout clause is believed to only apply to foreign clubs.
With Aguero turning 32 at the start of June, it will be interesting to see whether City are tempted to make a move for Martinez. He is 22 years of age and does have the potential to improve.