Liverpool set to launch Lautaro Martinez transfer bid but Man City could trump rivals with swap deal offer

LIVERPOOL are eyeing up a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to reports.

The 24-year-old Argentine only signed a new deal with the Serie A giants in October – a contract extension which keeps him tied down until 2026.

ReutersMartinez has struggled in Serie A since the start of 2022[/caption]

However, according to Calcio Mercato, Inter remain aware that Martinez is an asset that could demand a huge transfer fee.

The club have slapped a price tag of £75million on him and believe he is the most valuable player in their squad.

And while they are not especially seeking out a way of selling him, Martinez’s recent dip in form will be cause for concern.

The South American is yet to hit the back of the net in Serie A this year – a run of seven games without a goal.

But his overall record at Inter remains an impressive one.

He has bagged 61 goals and provided 22 assists in 165 appearances for the club.

And Liverpool have been linked with a move for him – particularly when you consider how Jurgen Klopp has spoken about Martinez in the past.

When asked about his quality, the German coach said: “He is one of the strongest strikers in the world.”

But Liverpool may have to fend off interest from Manchester City if they are to secure Martinez in the summer window.

Inter are thought to be interested in bringing in City forward Gabriel Jesus at the end of the season.

The Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, so Pep Guardiola may see him as an expendable player in his squad.

Reports suggest there could be scope for a swap deal involving Inter and Man City, with Jesus heading to Italy and Martinez arriving in England.

Jesus has been in and out of the English champions’ team since joining the club in 2017.

He has scored 88 goals in 220 games for the Premier League outfit, but failed to establish himself as a prolific striker – instead being defined as more of a wide forward.

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Inter and City are currently both gunning for their respective league titles.

Simone Inzaghi’s men are two points behind rivals AC Milan with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, City sit top of the Prem despite their advantage over Liverpool being cut to six points.

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