Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly getting ready to carry over their fight in La Liga to transfer market this summer. According to ESPN, the two Spanish giants will both try to acquire Inter Milan’s striker Lautaro Martinez.
Sources close to the player told the media outlet that Madrid and Barca would engage in competition for Martinez in July in order to try and lure the Argentinian away from Italy. Martinez has a $120 million release clause, which can be activated in July, in his contract, so Inter would be forced to let him go.
Barcelona has been targeting Martinez for some time now, viewing him as an ideal replacement for the aging Luis Suarez. The Catalan club previously didn’t make an offer due to high asking price, but given the player’s good form this season and Barca’s attacking problems, they are now ready to write the big check.
Real Madrid only recently got interested in Lautaro Martinez. The club made a move for a striker in the summer, acquiring Luka Jovic in a pricey move from Bundesliga and thought they were set upfront. However, Jovic turned out to be a flop so far in the season, managing only to score twice despite being given a chance to play often. Bringing in Martinez would definitely help their production and would also take a load off Karim Benzema’s shoulders.
Martinez has been superb for Inter this season, scoring 11 goals in 20 Seria A matches. He also added an impressive five goals in six UEFA Champions League games.
