Real Madrid have reportedly identified Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez as a potential alternative for top transfer target, Kylian Mbappe.
According to a report from Spanish publication El Gol Digital, Real Madrid are lining up a move for Inter Milan’s Argentine centre-forward Lautaro Martinez in case they are unable to land priority transfer target Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Mbappe is no top secret. The Merengues have been long-term admirers of the French superstar and have constantly been linked with a move for the 22-year-old since his breakthrough at AS Monaco. With the forward now in the final year of his contract with PSG, the Spanish capital outfit stand a great chance of landing him.
While a move is said to be in the works, Real Madrid’s financial situation and PSG’s stance on his future could lead to a transfer not materialising. To that end, Los Blancos are lining up potential alternatives for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal have been touted as cheaper options, with Martinez also emerging as a target.
The 23-year-old has grown in stature since joining Inter Milan from Racing Club in Argentina back in the summer of 2018. Martinez formed a deadly strike-partnership with Romelu Lukaku, helping the Nerazzurri win the Serie A title last season, but with the club in a difficult position financially, they could be forced to cash in on the 23-year-old, much like they did with Lukaku.
Real Madrid are in need of a new striker, not only to support and cover for Karim Benzema but to also eventually take over from him as the France international is set to turn 34 years old in December. And, Martinez, as per the report, is seen as a quality option to do so, in case they miss out on Mbappe.
What makes him an appealing prospect is that Martinez could be available for €80 million, a price tag that could be further brought down by including a player of Inter Milan’s interest as part of the deal. However, Real Madrid are set to face stern competition from arch-rivals Atletico Madrid, who are also pushing for his signing this summer.
Furthermore, Martinez’s agent hinted at the possibility of him signing a new contract with the Serie A champions recently, which could further complicate matters for the Merengues. So, it now remains to be seen if Real Madrid do decide to make a push for the Argentine international or look at other alternatives, with Harry Kane of Tottenham being linked of late, as well.
