Manchester City are thought to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.
The 22-year-old is constantly being linked with a move away following an impressive start to the season, with the Italian giants currently sit top of Serie A and the striker has been one of their standout performers. As a result, he’s been linked with a host of top European clubs including Man City and Barcelona.
The latest report to emerge from Spanish outlet El Desmarque claims that Martinez’s compatriot Lionel Messi is against the pair linking up at the Camp Nou, therefore, clearing the way for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City to sign their man.
However, it does not appear as though many of the City faithful are buying the idea that the Argentinian superstar has had as much of a say as the report suggests.
Is Lautaro Martinez the long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero?
Yes
No
— marek gucciano 1??7?? ? (@LeRoiSan3) December 27, 2019
Leo is director of football now, is he?
— Phillip McLaggan (@phil_mclaggan) December 27, 2019
Pls sign him City
— Emmekai Green (@Emmekai_Green16) December 27, 2019
Hahahaha what is this tweet
— Rupert Kudelka (@RupertKudelka14) December 27, 2019
How did Messi block anything? How bout some sources?
— Rio Integridade (@sidelineq) December 27, 2019
? ? Who?? Messi, the guy made it clear in most of his interviews that he have no interference in transfer of players
— ??? f????q ? ?? (@itsmealifarooq) December 27, 2019
lol what
— Ben (@_BenMCFC_) December 27, 2019
What do we think?
It has been reported that Messi has a huge influence at the Camp Nou regarding potential transfers and understandably so given what he’s produced for the club since he first burst onto the scene in 2003. However, he has admitted that he does not have the power to block prospective transfers that he may not necessarily agree with and so you can understand the reaction of the City fans when this story was brought to their attention.
It looks increasingly likely that Martinez will leave the San Siro eventually but a mid-season move seems unlikely given how well Inter are performing under Antonio Conte. The forward has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 16 Serie A appearances.
Inter are on the up and it will no doubt take a substantial transfer fee to prise the £72m-rated ace (as per TransferMarkt) away but if you believe these reports City now find themselves in pole position to win the race for his signature.