Manchester United have stepped up their interest to sign Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez this summer.
The Argentine has been in excellent form this season, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances. He also scored in the Champions League last-16 second-leg against Liverpool in March.
That has sparked interest from the Red Devils, who are searching for a new striker with Edinson Cavani out of contract and Marcus Rashford's future in doubt. Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently turned 37, has netted 23 times in 36 games this term.
According to the Times, incoming United boss Erik ten Hag wants to add a new No.9 to the squad with Martinez right at the top of the list. In an attempt to get the deal over the line, the Red Devils have offered a part-swap deal with Anthony Martial for Martinez's services in the summer.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Inter ever since he helped the club to their first Serie A title for 11 years. Martinez scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists, forming a dangerous partnership with Romelu Lukaku as Antonio Conte's side pipped Juventus and Napoli to first place.
Lukaku and Martinez were both tipped to leave the I Nerazzurri last summer, but it was only the former who got his move as the Belgian joined Chelsea in a £97million transfer. It hasn't exactly gone to plan for Lukaku, though, with the 28-year-old netting 12 times in 40 appearances.
Despite interest from a number of clubs, Martinez decided to stay at Inter for the 2021/22 season. However, he could be allowed to apart the San Siro if their valuation is met. Martinez reportedly wants to join a club in the Champions League and Inter, who are strapped for cash, have signalled their intention to sell him for £60-70million.
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Arsenal are another team who have renewed their interest in the player. The Gunners tried to prise Martinez away from Inter last year after Mikel Arteta made signing a striker a must in the summer. A deal failed to take off and Arsenal went without signing anyone up front.
Instead, they relied on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah but there is a real danger that all three will not be present next season. Barcelona have already snapped up the former when the Gabon international's contract was ripped up in January.
With Martinez stating he wants to continue playing Champions League football, it suggests that Arsenal could be favourites to sign him if they finish in the top-four. The Gunners are in pole position and currently sit two points ahead of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur with four games to go.
United are set to miss out on a place in the top European competition but won't give up on signing Martinez as Ten Hag tries to bolster his attacking options this summer. Victor Osimhen has also been tipped to make the switch to Old Trafford after impressing at Napoli.
He has been in superb form throughout the campaign, scoring 16 goals in 28 appearances. He also scored twice against Leicester City in the Europa League back in September.
