Serie A giants Inter Milan are beginning to prepare for life without Lautaro Martinez, who remains hell-bent on joining Barcelona this summer. The Argentine forward moved to Inter from Racing Club in 2018, and since then, his development has been phenomenal.
Martinez has shone immensely this season, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists, and has formed a devastating partnership with new signing Romelu Lukaku, who has also been in fine form in front of goal.
However, Barcelona are lurking over Lautaro Martinez, whom they want as a replacement for the ageing Luis Suarez. It has been claimed that Lionel Messi has personally suggested his compatriot’s name to the Barcelona hierarchy.
Moreover, the 22-year-old has spoken to Inter and has made it clear that he wants to leave. Although, the Camp Nou outfit are unwilling to meet his release clause, instead, they want to pay £60 million and include a couple of players to sweeten the deal.
The Nerazzurri are now looking for potential replacements for Lautaro Martinez, and here is a list of three players who are top of Inter Milan’s shopping list.
#3 Sergio Aguero
On paper, this looks like a match made in heaven. Sergio Aguero, who has a deal at Manchester City until the summer of 2021, is already 31. So, the Citizens would be wise to cash in on the Argentine forward at the end of the season.
The former Atletico Madrid man has 23 goals to his name this season, as well as a tally of three assists.
Manchester City have been banned from competing in European competitions, pending an appeal from CAS. Inter Milan, on the other hand, are well on course to play in the Champions League next season.
As per recent reports, Aguero would be open to a move to Inter Milan, who will, however, have to convince Manchester City to part ways with their valuable asset.
Given the Argentine’s past exploits, he would not come cheap, and his high wages could also pose a threat to this deal.
#2 Timo Werner
RB Leipzig sensation Timo Werner is already being chased by various European giants like Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with Inter Milan now joining the race for his signature.
The 24-year-old has emerged as the best young striker across all of Europe. Werner has already scored 27 goals across all competitions this term, besides providing 12 assists.
He has a reported release clause of £52 million, which is similar to the amount that Inter would get from Barcelona for Lautaro Martinez. All things considered, this deal makes sense but the Nerazzurri need to win the race for Werner’s services, which is easier said than done.
As per multiple reports, Liverpool remain Werner’s first choice, and in all honesty, the reigning European champions would be a more attractive prospect than Inter Milan, who have been struggling for the past few seasons.
#1 Edinson Cavani
Paris Saint-Germain have decided against renewing Edinson Cavani’s contract, which expires in June this year. As a consequence, the Uruguayan would become a free agent in the summer.
‘El Matador’ is PSG’s record goalscorer, having netted 200 times across all competitions. Moreover, his work ethic and goalscoring prowess are second to none.
As per reports, Inter Milan are considering making a move for Cavani, who would be available for zilch, and has a good record in Serie A, having starred for Napoli previously.
The 33-year-old striker was on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid in January, but the deal ultimately didn’t happen.
Atletico’s loss could be Inter’s gain, who would be more than happy to do Bosman transfers, given the sensitive financial situation of the club due to the coronavirus pandemic.
All stats courtesy: Transfermarkt.co.in
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