Manchester United handed transfer boost in Lautaro Martinez pursuit
Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. (h/t Express)
This is thanks to the decision taken by Barcelona to not pay Inter’s valuation of £92million, according to Calciomercato (h/t Express).
The Argentine has been in excellent form this season. He has scored 16 goals and provided four assists from 29 appearances for the Nerazzurri so far.
His performances have attracted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona apart from United. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is in the market for a striker after failing to replace Romelu Lukaku who left for Inter Milan last summer.
Barcelona are also keen on replacing Luis Suarez, who turned 33 last month. The Catalans view Martinez as the ideal replacement for the prolific Uruguayan but have baulked at his release clause.
FFP to tip scales in United’s favour?
According to Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t Express), Barcelona do not have an issue with the amount but rather with the payment structure.
The Catalans are even willing to pay more than the player’s quoted valuation provided they can do so in instalments. This is at odds to what Inter expect.
United’s hand is further strengthened by Barcelona having to sell in order to sign Martinez, failing which they will fall foul of Financial Fair Play rules. This delay invariably gives the Red Devils a chance to pounce.
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The report goes on to state that the release clause can be activated within the next few months, after which it will expire.
If United sign the player in the summer, he will be the club’s second marquee signing in as many windows following the capture of Bruno Fernandes in January.
