Man City eye Martinez as potential Aguero replacement

Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Aguero.

Martinez has starred for the Italian giants this season and has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months, with Barcelona said to have made the Argentina international their number one target as they seek an eventual successor to Luis Suarez.

The 22-year-old is currently refusing to extend his contract with the Nerazzurri and according to Sky Sports, his situation has alerted Man City, who are preparing to heavily invest this summer following their successful appeal against a two-season ban from the Champions League.

Martinez has scored 18 goals in all competitions for Inter so far this season and is viewed by Pep Guardiola as a potential replacement for compatriot Aguero, City’s all-time record goalscorer having recently turned 32 and into the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

City are in a stronger financial position than Barcelona to secure a deal for Martinez – who has a release clause of £98.5m in his contract – and the forward could be part of an expensive summer of recruitment with the club also keen to strengthen at centre-back and left-back.

Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba are two names to have been linked with City in recent weeks, whilst the club could also seek a new winger following the departure of Leroy Sane.

Read – Napoli set £65 million asking price for Koulibaly