Chelsea and Man City have both submitted significant offers to sign Inter Milan centre-forward Lautaro Martinez, according to reports in Spain. Blaugrana had been leading the battle to sign the 22-year-old striker as the Catalan club look to freshen up their front-line this summer.
However, Blues and Cityzens have tabled more lucrative terms substantially to the club and player, reportedly willing to offer a salary of more than £9m-a-year. Lautaro has been on fire in Serie A this campaign, scoring 11 goals in 22 league matches before the tournament was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic.
La Liga giants believe if Martinez is to make his decision based on footballing reasons, he will either go to the Catalan club or remain at San Siro. The Spanish club are confident Argentina international’s arrival is on track and his final decision to make a move is not far away.
Blaugrana have the lure of Champions League football, which Pep Guardiola’s side may not if their UEFA appeal fails to get overturned. The Argentine centre-forward’s agent Alberto Yaque admitted earlier this week that he is yet to sit down officially with any clubs to discuss terms over a summer move.
Yaque said: ‘His constant growth makes the best teams in the world notice him and have that concept. ‘Hopefully, he will be rewarded for his effort. We have chatted with many people, but nothing more. For now, those who call me are not directly employed by the club. There is nothing formal or serious.’