Lautaro Martinez has been in sensational form for Inter Milan this season (Getty Images)
As per Spanish outlet Sport (h/t The Express), Manchester United are interested in signing striker Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan in the summer.
Martinez, 22, came through the ranks of Racing Club’s youth system in Argentina and impressed in his two seasons with the club’s senior set-up. Inter Milan later signed him in the summer of 2018 and since then, he has established himself as one of the best young strikers in Europe.
He has been in sensational form this season for the Italian giants and has also attracted a lot of interest across the continent. However, the report suggests that he is set to leave the club this summer. Thus, United should look to secure his signature at the earliest.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, have improved a lot in the latter stages of the season. After a poor start to the campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are hoping to qualify for the Champions League, sitting just 3 points below fourth-placed Chelsea.
United are also still in the race for the Europa League title and the FA Cup though they have been dumped out of the Carabao Cup.
Solskjaer’s men were unbeaten in their last 11 games across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and conceding only twice in the process. However, with the season nearing an end, it is time for the manager to inject the squad with some young faces to fare better in various competitions next season.
Though they have a good bunch of players, it is necessary for the Red Devils to improve the squad depth. This would help them compete strongly in the league and other competitions by being able to rotate the starting XI and keeping everyone fit.
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Odion Ighalo and Mason Greenwood are the four centre-forwards available at the manager’s disposal. Rashford has done a brilliant job so far, scoring 14 league goals before getting injured.
Martial has also come lively in the latter stages, scoring important goals against Manchester City and a few more teams. Ighalo was signed on loan in January and it remains to be seen if he is signed permanently. Greenwood, meanwhile, is too young and cannot be depended upon throughout the whole campaign.
In that regard, signing Martinez would definitely make United powerful in attack. The Argentine has been in fine form, scoring 12 goals in 22 league games this season. He has the ability to succeed at a higher and thus United should look to sign him at the earliest.
Martinez’s inclusion in Solskjaer’s squad would definitely bring in a healthy competition within the squad. And if he is able to replicate the same form, he would be a valuable player for the team. He could also be a leader in United’s attack in the future once he has the Premier League experience.
The Argentine international is just 22 and has shown his potential this term. And with Ighalo’s uncertain future, United would benefit from signing Martinez. Given his age, he would represent a long-term investment for the club. His signing would help them return to the top, where they belong.
