According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, but only on one condition, i.e. if Luis Suarez leaves the Nou Camp during this summer transfer period. The same source has also mentioned that the Spanish outfit does not need to opt for Martinez if Suarez remains in Catalonia beyond this summer as he won’t settle for a spot on the bench.
Martinez’s Spectacular Season In Italian Football
Martinez enjoyed a brilliant season at the San Siro after putting in a series of match-winning performances as an essential member of Antonio Conte’s frontline. He has formed a devastating attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku, and their excellent contributions helped Inter challenge Juventus for the Serie A title last season.
The Argentine marksman registered 19 goals and six assists in 45 appearances for the Italian giants in the previous campaign across all competitions shedding light on his growing influence in front of the opposition goal. He deserves a lot of praise for averaging 3.6 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the Serie A and European football last season. However, Martinez has been very sloppy with his ball-distribution after completing 63% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The San Siro star has also secured 17 senior caps for the Argentine national team, netting nine goals for his homeland in the process. Maybe a summer switch to the Nou Camp could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to shine at the highest level which might benefit his international career as well.
What Will The South American Sensation Add To Quique Setien’s Side?
Martinez can use his quickness and agility to complete some dangerous dribbles with the ball in behind the last line of the opposition defence. He has transformed himself into a prolific finisher in the final third over the past 12 months. The Argentine maestro has the vision to pick out a decisive pass up top and is an excellent header of the ball as he can utilise his strength to outmuscle his marker in the air. He has the potential to become a generational talent, so Barca will do well to lure him away from the San Siro this summer.
Should Barcelona Get Martinez On Board This Summer?
Setien can benefit from adding someone of Martinez’s skillset to his attacking department even if it means losing Luis Suarez to make it happen. The ageing Uruguayan striker is past his prime and would only serve as a short-term solution to his team’s goal-scoring concerns.
If Martinez is available for the right price, then he could be a clever acquisition for Barca before the start of the new campaign. He will not only add more goals and creativity to Setien’s frontline but also bolster the quality of his first-team at the Nou Camp next season. Hence, it is only logical for the Catalans to get him on board as he will help them get back to the summit of Spanish football in the coming seasons.
