Manchester City will battle Barcelona and Manchester United for the signature of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez ahead of the summer transfer.
Martinez, who joined the Serie A side from Argentine side Racing Club last summer has netted 13 goals in 22 appearances this season. Martinez has also forged a potent striking partnership with Romelu Lukaku under Antonio Conte this season.
He is currently under contract with Inter through to the end of the 2022/23 season and has a €111 million (£84m) release clause in his contract which is valid only for the first two weeks of July.
However, Inter Milan hope to sign the young striker to a new and improved contract. Also, the club will hope to get rid of the clause in his contract.
As Antonio Conte’s side push Juventus for the league title, they are looking to keep their best players due to tough games in the Italian Cup and the Europa League.
Meanwhile, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have already begun talks and negotiations with the Serie A giants over the 22-year-old. The Spanish side sees Martinez as a long-term replacement to Luiz Suarez.
It is said that Martinez would prefer a move to Barcelona, where he could play alongside international teammate Lionel Messi.
And now City are monitoring the Argentine international, who have identified the £84million star as a long-term target to replace Sergio Aguero. The City striker has 18 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium when he could return to Independiente for the final years of his career.
Manchester United are also interested in signing Martinez ahead of the summer transfer. According to reports, the Red Devils will bid for the Argentine for a reported fee of £95.6m.
After the exit of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan last summer, the Red Devils want the leading marksmen to replace one of them.
United has Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as senior forward options, while youngster Mason Greenwood remains the third option.
