Transfer Centre

Javier Zanetti plays down Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea, Manchester United talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 17 May 2023

Zanetti plays down Martinez to Chelsea, Man United talk

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti plays down suggestions that Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez could leave the club this summer.

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has played down suggestions that Lautaro Martinez could leave the club during this summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for his Italian club during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 52 occasions in all competitions, contributing 25 goals and 10 assists in the process.

Martinez still has three years left to run on his current deal at San Siro, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.

There have been suggestions that Inter could be open to a sale due to their financial problems, with Chelsea and Manchester United both credited with an interest in his services.

However, speaking after Inter booked their spot in the final of the Champions League, Zanetti poured cold water on suggestions that the Argentina international could be on the move this summer.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring their first goal on May 16, 2023 © Reuters

"Lautaro is part of a great journey, he grows from year to year," Zanetti told reporters. "He is a fundamental player, one we wish to keep, at least for now. Let's enjoy it, he's happy here, it's his home. I hope it can be for a long time."

Martinez has scored 20 goals and registered six assists in 35 Serie A appearances this season, with his side third in the table, three points behind second-placed Juventus.

The forward has also netted three times and provided three assists in 12 appearances in the Champions League, including a goal against AC Milan in the second leg of their semi-final on Tuesday night.

The South American made the move to Inter from Racing Club in July 2018, and he has represented the Serie A giants on 233 occasions, scoring 99 goals and registering 34 assists in the process.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring their first goal on May 13, 2023 © Reuters

Inter CEO Guiseppe Marotta has also suggested that Martinez will not be on the move, with the club wanting him to become their future captain.

Man United will be in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, as they bid to sign a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left at the end of last year.

Anthony Martial could depart on a permanent basis in the upcoming market due to his ongoing injury problems, while Wout Weghorst is unlikely to be signed following a loan spell at Burnley.

Chelsea are also set to bring in a big-money striker, but the club face a big decision when it comes to Romelu Lukaku's future, with the Belgian set to return from a loan spell at Inter, where he plays alongside Martinez.

The Blues will not be able to offer Champions League football to potential new signings, though, as a disastrous season has left them down in 11th spot in the Premier League table.