INTER MILAN will have to quadruple Lautaro Martinez’s wages to kill off interest from Manchester City.
The crack Argentine striker is on Pep Guardiola’s hit list as he seeks a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero, despite a £98million release clause.
Lautaro Martinez wants Inter Milan hike his wages if they want to keep himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He still has three years on his contract, yet Inter want to tie him to two more on top – and have already offered to double his £38,000-a-week salary.
But Martinez, 23, wants over four times his current terms before he will commit to staying at the San Siro.
And Guardiola is keeping a close eye on the situation, as he has been tracking the highly-rated hitman for the best part of a year.
Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen, yet will struggle to outbid City in the present climate.
Talks between Martinez and Inter have so far hit a stalemate, but further meetings are planned over the next month.
Although the forward, who averages better than a goal every other start for Inter, is happy at the club, he is unhappy at being one of the lower paid senior stars at Milan.
Martinez is ironically now Argentina’s spearhead striker – ahead of Aguero – with 11 goals in 21 internationals.
Now he could find himself doing the same at the Etihad, even though City’s all-time leading scorer has been told he will get an extension beyond next summer if his fitness holds up.
Martinez is a target for Manchester City despite his £98million price tagCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Martinez has been in fine form for Inter so far this term netting five goals in nine Serie A appearances.
And the striker’s team, who are second behind rivals AC Milan, will take on Bologna in Italy’s top tier.
Their tenth Serie A game will follow after their Champions League clash with Monchengladbach.
Christian Eriksen shows off his goal scoring skills in Inter Milan training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
