Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has talked about Manchester City’s interest in signing Lautaro Martinez.
Sheth appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast and the panel discussed multiple potential transfers in the English game. One topic of discussion was Sergio Aguero’s future, with his contract running out at the end of the season. Sheth talked about Martinez as a potential replacement for his compatriot.
Should City replace Aguero with Martinez?
Yes
No
Martinez was linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, but he ended up staying at Inter. Reports in Spain (via SempreInter) had the Argentine also linked with a move to the Etihad, suggesting that the Citizens were indeed preparing an offer to land the Inter striker soon.
Sheth revealed that City do indeed have a long-standing interest in the 23-year-old striker.
He said: “Another striker to mention that City have constantly been linked with is Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez. City, it seems, have a long-standing interest in him. But if Aguero doesn’t sign a new contract or is not offered a new contract, then all bets are off. City will be in the market for a big player – make no mistake about it.”
TIF Thoughts on City’s links with Martinez…
Martinez has been active in the goalscoring department for the Nerazzurri this season, as he has scored nine league goals in the current campaign. In the 2019/20 season, he had scored 14 times while also picking up three assists. His goals-per-90-minutes tally has been above 0.50 in both these campaigns (as per FBRef).
This shows that he can be a quality goalscorer and at the age of 23, he might still offer potential to improve as a player. While Martinez could cost a lot, considering he is valued at £63m, he would surely add the goals to the team that City would need to replace if Aguero leaves.