After Argentina booked their Copa America semi-final ticket against Brazil, the rumours linking the Albiceleste breakthrough star Lautaro Martinez with Barcelona have picked up more steam.
According to a report from Corriere dello Sport, the Catalan club are preparing to trigger the Argentine’s release clause of €112 million, as they seek to lure the Inter Milan forward to Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Lautaro’s agent Beto Yaque has denied any contact or talks with the Blaugrana club, the report adds.
Is Lautaro Martinez worth the outlay?
The 21-year-old made the move from Racing Club in Primera Division to Serie A last summer for a mere €14 million. He scored 9 goals and managed 2 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign.
However, it’s the Copa America where the youngster has caught the eye of the fans, and seems to be making a name for himself.
Martinez has formed a formidable partnership with star striker Sergio Aguero, solving Albiceleste boss Lionel Scaloni’s problem of who to play up front.
The forward has scored two goals in his three appearances in the competition, and the timing couldn’t have been better as both his goals came in a do-or-die situation against Qatar and Venezuela.
Another thing that must be highlighted is how he rose to the occasion under extreme pressure when, for once, Argentina’s star man and captain Lionel Messi didn’t look threatening.
The Inter forward seems like a good option to replace Barcelona’s current number 9 in Luis Suarez, who is entering the twilight of his career. Martinez can not only be used as an understudy to the Uruguayan international, but can also be deployed alongside Suarez, like he is doing with Aguero in his national team colours.
The 21-year old’s work-rate and movement on the pitch deserve all the credit, and his displays in the Copa America prove that he can perform at the highest stage, even under pressure.
His tenacity would be an added bonus as Messi and Suarez are both ageing players, so Martinez’s youthful zeal and ability to press will complement the two.
It remains to be seen how Barcelona will plan their summer spending as they are likely to sign Antoine Griezmann. Martinez, however, would add more quality to the squad.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt
