Transfer Centre

Manchester United-linked striker issues fresh update on future

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 23 May 2024

Man Utd-linked striker issues fresh update on future

One of Europe's most prolific strikers that has been linked with Manchester United issues a fresh update on his future at his current club.

Lautaro Martinez has provided a fresh update on his future at Inter Milan amid speculation over a possible exit from San Siro.

The Argentina international has established himself as an integral first-team player for the Nerazzurri since joining from Racing Club in 2018 and he is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

Martinez has scored a total of 129 goals in 282 appearances for Inter across all tournaments, including 27 strikes in 44 outings in the 2023-24 campaign.

The 26-year-old was appointed Inter captain last summer and he has successfully led the club to the Serie A title this season - his second Scudetto with the club - scoring 24 goals in 33 league games to all but guarantee winning the Golden Boot.

Martinez, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, has also lifted two Coppa Italias and three Supercoppa Italianas with Inter, while he also reached the Champions League final with the Italian giants last season.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez during the warm up before the match on April 22, 2024 © Reuters

Martinez linked with Premier League move

Martinez's impressive form in Serie A has understandably caught the eye of a number of top European clubs, including a few teams in the Premier League.

It is understood that Manchester United have identified Martinez as a potential target for the summer transfer window as they weigh up whether to reinforce their frontline to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest and have allegedly added Martinez to their striker shortlist having now cooled their pursuit of Brentford's Ivan Toney.

Both clubs, along with teams in Saudi Arabia, are believed to have been keeping tabs on Martinez's contract situation at San Siro, with his current deal due to expire in 2026.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring their second goal on November 4, 2023 © Reuters

Martinez planning for Inter stay

However, interested suitors of Martinez appear to have suffered a blow in their pursuit of the striker, who has confirmed that he is close to extending his contract with Inter.

Speaking in an interview for Gazzetta dello Sport, Martinez said: "We are close to the agreement with Inter over new long term deal.

"It's just about few details, I wanted to get it done by the end of this week but it could also be delayed. I don't know what is going to happen but there are no problems."

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio recently confirmed that the club "absolutely want to extend" Martinez's contract and hope that an announcement can be made before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Martinez will soon be turning his attention to international football as he has been selected in Argentina's provisional 30-man squad ahead of Copa America 2024 later this summer.