According to a recent report by InterLive, Manchester City could acquire the services of Inter Milan centre-forward Lautaro Martinez but only if they are willing to send Gabriel Jesus in the other direction. The same source has stated that the Citizens boss Pep Guardiola is keen to bring the Serie A goal-getter to Manchester and could offer Jesus in return to get his man.
Martinez’s Fabulous Rise In Italian Football
It is believed that Martinez’s international compatriot Sergio Aguero has recommended him to the Man City management after his brilliant start to this campaign (via InterLive). The Argentine striker has been enjoying the form of his life at the San Siro after putting in numerous goal-scoring displays in Italy this season.
The 22-year-old has netted eight goals and grabbed three assists in 16 appearances for Inter this term in multiple competitions. Since arriving from Racing Club last year, Martinez has managed to score 17 goals in 51 matches which has enhanced his reputation in European football. He has averaged 4.1 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Bahia Blanca born talent has also represented the Argentine national side in 15 international matches so far, finding the back of the net on nine occasions for his country in the process.
A Martinez-Jesus Swap Deal: Good Move For All Parties?
Martinez has decent pace and excels at dribbling with the ball at his feet. He has sensational ball control and possesses the strength to shield it from the opposition. He has gradually transformed himself into a prolific goal-scorer and can also do the unselfish work by running the channels in the opposition half.
Comparatively, Jesus is a much quicker and agile option up top. However, the Brazilian striker has failed to earn regular first-team chances at the Etihad Stadium, so he might be better off trying his luck in a different league. It seems like a good move for all parties as both players can thrive with a change of scenery in the coming years.
Inter could use a player like Jesus, who has the potential of becoming a top forward someday. Man City, on the other hand, will benefit from acquiring the services of a prolific marksman like Martinez as he could push Aguero for a starting berth in Guardiola’s first-team.
