Ten Hag does not want Man Utd to relax before the end of the season
If Manchester United sign Lautaro Martinez this summer, their positive relationship with Inter Milan could be key. Reports say the Argentina international is a transfer target for Erik ten Hag after scoring 19 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, his last two being against Verona on Wednesday night. And the Reds' relationship with their Serie A partners could be helpful when convincing the Italian giants to sell.
It recently emerged that while United are keen to sign Harry Kane, Martinez is another interesting player at Old Trafford.
His form in Italy clearly shows why, as the striker has shone in Serie A since leaving Racing in the summer transfer window 2018. Martinez now has 23 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for Inter this season, helping his side reach the Champions League semi-finals.
And he is just two goals away from the 25 he scored last season.
Martinez is a player capable of playing in any position on three fronts, the Argentina international has long been considered one of the best strikers in world football.
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Should he move to United, the prospect of him lining up alongside Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Antony in attack is certainly exciting.
However, the problem is that at the moment, Inter does not want to sell. They clearly see Martinez as the player to build their sporting project around, especially given the uncertainty over Romelu Lukaku's future amid a possible return to Chelsea.
And that's where United's positive relationship with Inter can come into play.
The club have successfully negotiated with the Serie A giants three times in recent years, which could benefit them when it comes to securing a player in return.
United were able to sell Lukaku to Inter in 2019 after the Belgium international was deemed unfit by then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That same year, they also let Alexis Sanchez move to San Siro on loan. Sanchez then joined Inter permanently, scoring just five goals for United while earning around 400,000 a week.
And then, in January 2020, United also allowed Ashley Young to move to Italy, where he would later win the Serie A title.
These three agreements have helped to strengthen the relationship between the Red Devils and Inter. Now, it can work to their advantage.
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Martinez used to be a good asset for the Serie A giants, but as he enters the early years of his career, he may enjoy a new challenge abroad.
United are wise to pursue his signature, especially given that it is very difficult for Kane to leave Tottenham.
And whether they succeed in landing Martinez remains to be seen.
Speaking earlier in the season, United legend Paul Scholes endorsed the Inter Milan star and said he would make a great signing for Ten Hag's side.
I said:
I like Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan. "I think he's the Ten Hag type of player.
He likes a forward running, aggressive, fighting everyone. There are a lot of choices.
"I like Manchester United's strikers like them. I like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial. We all know the quality they have. There are many options and hopefully we can make one.
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