Inter Milan are reportedly considering Anthony Martial, who is valued at around €40 million by Manchester United, as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
According to a report by Italian publication La Repubblica, as relayed by Sempre Inter, Anthony Martial is the subject of interest from Inter Milan over a move in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old French forward is being considered as a long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku, with Manchester United set to demand €40 million for him.
Anthony Martial joined Manchester United from AS Monaco in the summer of 2015. A relative unknown in England at the time, the youngster enjoyed stupendous success in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford, finishing 2015/16 as the Red Devils’ top scorer. Since then, though, the Frenchman has blown hot and cold at an alarming rate.
This has been best evident in the last couple of seasons, as Martial was once again the top scorer for Manchester United in 2019/20 before only managing a paltry return of seven goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. That coupled with the advent of Mason Greenwood as well as the exploits of Edinson Cavani could send Martial down the pecking order at Manchester United.
Such a scenario has now alerted Inter Milan, who have been forced the scour the transfer market for a long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku. The former Manchester United forward is set to join Chelsea on a club-record deal, which will create a huge void in the Nerazzurri’s attacking department.
To that end, the reigning Serie A champions have been linked with Edin Dzeko as well as Duvan Zapata in the past week or so. However, Zapata is reportedly valued at around €40 million by Atalanta, which is the same price tag that Manchester United have slapped on Anthony Martial.
With Martial several years younger than Zapata and yet to theoretically hit his peak, he is a viable target for Inter Milan, even though his best qualities are much different as compared to those of Lukaku’s.
As per the report, Inter Milan are hoping to land Martial on an initial loan before signing him on a permanent deal next summer. However, Manchester United will not entertain any such offers and will remain adamant on their €40 million valuation.
What now remains to be seen is if Inter Milan make an offer to sign the 25-year-old forward permanently or if some other suitor emerges in his pursuit.
