MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly confident of beating Barcelona to the signing of Lautaro Martinez.
Pep Guardiola looks set to splash the cash this summer after his side’s Champions League ban was overturned.
Etihad boss Pep Guardiola has set his sights on Lautaro MartinezCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sky Sports claim Inter Milan forward Martinez is one of the name’s on his wish-list.
Guardiola has earmarked the Argentine star as a long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero.
City are hopeful of sealing a deal ahead of Barcelona due to the Spanish side’s financial situation.
The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with their huge wage bill, has taken its toll on the club.
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to sell nine of their players to fund a move for Martinez.
And club president Josep Bartomeu confirmed his side are in talks with the Argentine.
But City look the more likely of the two clubs to activate his £98.5million release clause.
Martinez has proved his potential with 18 goals in 39 games for Inter this season.
He joined the Italian giants from Racing Club in 2018 and is under contract with them until June 2023.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
