According to a Sky Sports report, Man City still want four more signings after securing deals for both Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake, with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez taking precedent as our ‘number one choice‘ to fill Sergio Aguero’s shoes.
Martinez, bagging 28 goals in all competitions over the last two seasons in Italy, has severely improved his finishing this campaign after being criticised for his lack of potency in front of goal.
According to a recent update courtesy of Sam Lee in the Athletic, City actually had the chance to snap up Martinez in 2018 for what would have been a bargain £25 million fee.
Now, his value is around quadruple that figure, but that does not mean we shouldn’t smash our transfer record and bring him to the Etihad.
The pros of a move…
A would-be expensive addition to the squad, with City’s current transfer record being our £62.8 million acquisition of Rodri from Atletico Madrid last summer, the pros arguably outweigh the cons.
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old averages even more shots per game than Aguero whilst completing a higher number of dribbles – potentially supporting the theory he would be a worthy successor.
Touted as ‘the next Aguero’, despite his sky-high valuation, it’s clear that our club legend’s compatriot should be our number one choice to succeed him.
What the pundits say…
The striker, however, is reportedly ‘very keen’ on a move to Barcelona, something footballing superstar Lionel Messi recently commented on in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
Whilst being completely in the dark surrounding Martinez’ proposed transfer, Messi did take the time to lavish his international teammate with praise.
“I think I’ve already mentioned that Lautaro is an impressive forward,” explained the Catalans legend.
“Especially because I think he’s very complete. He’s strong, dribbles well, can score, knows how to protect the ball.
“But we’ll have to see what happens with him and other names that have been linked.”
The final verdict…
Martinez holds no shortage of credentials, and it’s clear to see why we may wish to pursue the hitman over this transfer window.
If City do wish to land four more signings, the Serie A star could be just what we’re looking for.