INTER MILAN will demand that highly-sought after striker Lautaro Martinez publicly asks for a transfer before even considering lowering their £96.7million valuation, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has drawn interest from the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City with his stunning performances for the Nerazzurri this season.
Martinez may have to hand in a transfer request to leave Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
With Antonio Conte at the helm, Inter want to build their team around strikers Martinez and Romelu Lukaku.
While the latter has settled down quickly since his summer move from Manchester United, the former’s head is believed to have been turned by the interest being shown in him.
The 5ft 9in forward has a £96.7million release clause in his contract, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are determined to receive this price in full if they are to part with their prized asset.
If Martinez is to publicly demand a transfer, however, club bosses may be willing to negotiate this fee down with potential suitors.
Barcelona is believed to be his favoured destination, with the lure of playing club football with his legendary compatriot Lionel Messi a key factor.
But the Catalan giants’ budget is set to be stretched this summer, particularly as they look likely to try and bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou from Paris Saint-Germain.
This could open the door for Premier League duo Chelsea and Man City.
Martinez has scored 16 goals in 31 games this season, as Inter found themselves fighting with Lazio and Juventus for the Serie A title – prior to the suspension of football due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
This form has seen him break into the Argentina set-up, giving the forward his first taste of linking up with Messi.
He has so far won 17 caps for his country, returning a very reasonable nine goals.
Lionel Messi desperate for ‘one of best in world’ Neymar to return to Barcelona along with Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
