Erik Ten Hag has reportedly identified Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as his primary target for bolstering his attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window. According to a recent report from Fichajes, the Dutch manager has personally expressed his desire for Manchester United to pursue a deal for the Argentine forward. With the support of new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now holds a 25% stake in the club, Ten Hag aims to strengthen his squad for the next season, focusing on multiple positions in both defense and attack. While the former Ajax boss prioritizes the acquisition of a new defender, he also seeks an experienced center forward to mentor Rasmus Hojlund. Martinez, who has two years remaining on his contract with Inter Milan, is believed to be the preferred target for this role. However, the main obstacle for Manchester United in securing his services during the summer transfer window is the hefty price tag associated with the striker. Valued at an astonishing £94 million by Inter Milan, it is unlikely that the Premier League giants will be able to afford such a significant investment on a single player. Nevertheless, potential departures from the club could provide funds to facilitate a deal. Both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof, whose contracts expire next summer, are expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Jadon Sancho, who was loaned back to Borussia Dortmund following a public dispute with Ten Hag. Since his arrival at Inter Milan from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has been a prolific scorer, netting 124 goals and providing 41 assists in 268 appearances across all competitions.
According to the Source caughtoffside.com