Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has relayed the news that Man City are still ‘interested‘ in a swoop for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez – with director of football Txiki Begiristain potentially ‘keeping an eye‘ on his Serie A situation.
Martinez, who has bagged 14 goals and five assists in 35 league appearances for the Nerazzurri over 2019/2020, his best haul to date, could be one of the four signings that City still want to make ahead of our Premier League title challenge next season.
Should Man City break the bank for Martinez?
Yes, pay the £80.9 million
No, Jesus is the man
Indeed, as reported by the Athletic, the Sky Blues have been contemplating a move for years – opting not to sign the Argentine for a meagre £25 million back in 2018.
Often touted as ‘the next Aguero‘, Martinez’ £98.8 million release clause reportedly expired on July 7, and regional Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera via Forbes has claimed that the attacker could be made available for €90 million (£80.9m) due to the current global pandemic.
Is he the next Sergio Aguero?
Despite his label as Aguero’s equal, Martinez’ record in terms of finding the net doesn’t exactly speak volumes surrounding his reputation – with the 22-year-old still yet to surpass the 20-goal mark in a single season.
The City legend, by stark contrast, has broken that barrier in almost every campaign since he signed for the Sky Blues back in 2011.
However, there is potential despite his failure to convert on Aguero’s level, with stats from WhoScored highlighting that he does manage a superior average of shots per 90.
Given his relatively young age, there is still time for him to live up to our club hero.
What the pundits say…
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Calciomercato, fellow legendary Argentine forward Hernan Crespo waxed lyrical over Martinez last year as he was beginning to impress for Inter.
Branding him a ‘very talented’ forward, Crespo also hinted that the youngster could go on to become a ‘champion’.
“Lautaro is great. Young, perhaps still immature, but very talented,” claimed Crespo.
“He does impressive things and, above all, he knows how to always be found in the right place at the right time.
“He has already learned about the defenses of the Italian teams, he does not allow himself to be intimidated, he plays with courage and personality.
“He is a potential champion”.
The final verdict…
If City do opt to make a centre-forward one of their top priorities this window, Martinez could be what we’re looking for – especially going by his reputation and potential to be Aguero’s heir.