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Inter Milan are reportedly set to demand £69.5 million for Chelsea and Manchester United target Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez, 25, has established himself as an indispensable player for the Nerazzurri since arriving from Racing Club for over £20 million in 2018. So far, he has helped them lift a total of four trophies, including the 2020-21 Serie A title.
A right-footed clinical finisher blessed with pace and heading, Martinez has been in stupendous form for Simone Inzaghi's side in the ongoing 2022-23 season. He has guided his team to the UEFA Champions League and the Coppa Italia finals so far, registering 25 goals and 10 assists in 52 matches in the process.
According to Football Insider, Inter Milan are willing to entertain offers in the region of £69.5 million for Martinez's signature ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. They are interested in offloading him to raise transfer funds.
However, earlier this week, Nerazzurri vice-president Javier Zanetti stated that his club is reluctant to sell the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. During a post-match interaction, he told reporters:
"Lautaro is part of our great journey, he grows from year to year. He is a fundamental player, one we wish to keep, at least for now. Let's enjoy it, he's happy here, it's his home. I hope it can be for a long, long time."
Martinez, who has a contract until June 2026 at San Siro, could be a crucial starter for Chelsea should he join them in the future. He could move ahead of Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the club's pecking order.
Should Martinez join Manchester United instead this summer, he would emerge as an important player for them. He would be preferred ahead of injury-prone Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in the central attacking position.
Chelsea join race to snap up Manchester United-linked striker: Reports
According to Todofichajes, Chelsea are keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane as soon-to-be-appointed coach Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to reunite with his former striker. They are said to be willing to meet Spurs' fee demands.
Pochettino, who was Tottenham's manager between 2014 and 2019, helped Kane elevate his level during their time working together. Under his guidance, the player netted 169 goals in 242 games across all competitions for Spurs.
Kane, 29, has emerged as a hot topic of discussion as a host of clubs are currently interested in luring him away from Spurs this summer. Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have all been touted as possible destinations.
