Transfer
Man Utd look to flatten Tottenham transfer hopes with £42m-plus-player offer for Lautaro Martinez
Manchester United have offered Inter £42million and striker Anthony Martial in the hope of signing Lautaro Martinez, according to a report.
Martinez has become one of Europe’s deadliest goalscorers in recent seasons following his move to Serie A. In fact, he has scored 70 goals in 177 games for the club.
The 24-year-old is also a senior Argentina international and has netted 19 times in 37 caps for his country.
Martinez‘s efforts in recent seasons saw him earn a bumper new contract in October. Those terms run until the summer of 2026. However, he could yet still leave Inter this summer.
Indeed, Tottenham are reportedly in the running to sign him alongside Atletico Madrid. Inter could therefore look towards snapping up Paulo Dybala. Martinez’s fellow countryman will become a free agent when his Juventus contract expires at the end of June.
According to Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi, Man Utd are looking to trump Tottenham’s efforts with an offer of their own.
The Red Devils have supposedly offered £42million and France international Martial to Inter as an alternative option to Dybala.
Martial left Old Trafford in January for a loan move to Sevilla but has yet to score amid niggling injury issues. His Man Utd contract runs out in 2024, so a decision is looming over his future.
Interim United boss Ralf Rangnick let Martial go and it remains unclear if new boss Erik ten Hag will want the striker next season.
Reports have instead linked Ten Hag with a swoop for Antony, who is currently with the Dutchman at Ajax.
Nevertheless, Barzaghi adds that United are back to square one because Inter are only after a straight cash deal for Martinez.
They have suffered from financial troubles of late and would prefer all funds in a deal rather than a player-plus-cash offer.
Man Utd striker need clear amid Martinez links
Amid the links with Martinez, Man Utd have made a new striker one of their summer transfer priorities.
Marcus Rashford is struggling for form and it remains unclear what his best position in the front line actually is.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact has been clear to see. However, at 37, his time at the club and the top level is limited, even if he keeps himself in top condition.
As such, United are looking towards a more long-term option up front and Martinez would represent that.
