According to a recent report from Calciomercato, Barcelona are in competition with Real Madrid for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. This is not the first time when the holding La Liga champions have been linked with Martinez.
The report adds that Inter Milan have identified a replacement for Martinez in Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It means that the Serie A giants are already preparing for life without Martinez. Aubameyang was incidentally even linked with Barcelona in January, but the move didn’t go through.
Why Barcelona are after a striker?
It is clear that Barcelona needs a long term replacement for Luis Suarez whose powers are waning. Antoine Griezmann’s form has been patchy as he hasn’t managed to live up to the expectations. Hence, quite a few would expect Barcelona to splash big money to bring in a new striker in the summer.
Martinez has been in impressive form for Inter Milan this season as he has bagged 16 goals in all competitions. The striker moved to Inter in 2018 from South American outfit Racing Club.
What are Martinez’s qualities?
Martinez is known for his intense playing style, and he works exceedingly hard for his team up top. The striker likes to make runs between the channels, and he has the pace and physicality to trouble any defender. Martinez doesn’t mind chasing every lost cause as the striker never really gives defenders breathing space. He can also hold up play well as he is tough to dispossess.
Martinez is a decent finisher, and Barcelona must be aware of his capabilities after he scored against them in the group stage in the Champions League this season. To top it all of, he is still just 22, so there is vast room for improvements in his game. For comparisons, Martinez is similar to Chile’s Alexis Sanchez when he was at the peak of his powers. The Argentine is going to be one of the most sought after strikers in the future and Barcelona should go all out for him in the summer.
Having Messi in their ranks to lure a fellow Argentine could also go in Barcelona’s favour. Martinez has represented Argentina 18 times, and he has nine goals for them. With Inter Milan already eyeing a replacement, stars seem to be aligning for Martinez’s move in the summer. However, the likes of Real Madrid and even Manchester City might have a say in that.
