Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have reportedly been in touch with Lautaro Martinez’s agent Alejandro Camano this past week.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have stepped up their efforts to sign Lautaro Martinez in the summer transfer window. The two Spanish giants met with the 23-year-old Argentine international’s agent Alejandro Camano last week to discuss a possible move.
Lautaro Martinez joined Inter Milan from Racing Club in the summer of 2018 and has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best forwards on show in Serie A. Following a breakthrough campaign in 2019/20, the player raised his levels this season, playing a key role in the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title triumph.
In 38 Serie A appearances, the 23-year-old had a decent tally of 17 goals and 10 assists to show for his efforts. However, with Inter Milan struggling on the financial front, it has been mooted that they could be forced to sell one of their key assets this summer. This situation has alerted Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, who are hoping to pounce and make a raid for Martinez.
Real Madrid, for a few years now, have been almost entirely dependent on Karim Benzema for goals with the rest of the forwards hardly making sufficient contributions. To make matters worse, Benzema’s understudies Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic have both been disappointing during their spell with Los Blancos, which is part of the reason why they are prioritising a move for Erling Haaland.
With Benzema now 33 and inching closer to the final phase of his career, it is imperative that Real Madrid lay down a succession plan for the Frenchman. In Martinez, Real Madrid will have a player who can not only be a long-term replacement for their star striker but also create a tandem with him next season, if signed. But, Atletico Madrid are providing stiff competition to their local rivals.
Atletico Madrid are currently in a precarious situation over the future of Luis Suarez, who has the option to leave this summer. The former Barcelona striker, who was instrumental in clinching the La Liga title this past weekend for the Colchoneros, has been a key played for the Madrid giants and will have to be replaced with a top-class striker if he does call it quits at the Wanda Metropolitano.
To that end, Atletico Madrid have been linked with Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Roberto Firmino, among others, with Martinez a viable target as well. In fact, both Atletico and Real Madrid have already held talks with the 23-year-old Argentine forward’s agent Alejandro Camano over a possible summer move, although the player himself is happy with Inter Milan.
What now remains to be seen is if the newly-crowned Serie A champions are forced to cash in on Martinez in the summer transfer window, or if they keep hold of him. It will also be interesting to see the kind of offers Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid produce to secure his services.