Inter will be keen to fend off Lautaro Martinez’s suitors if they offload Paris Saint-Germain-linked Achraf Hakimi in the summer. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via SempreInter), the Nerazzurri are terrified of the prospect of losing the Argentine and are willing to ‘sacrifice’ the right wing-back.
While enjoying a rise to prominence at the Giuseppe Meazza, Martinez has become one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe’s top-five divisions. Widely considered one of the most talented strikers in Serie A, the 23-year-old has grown vital to Inter’s attacking set-up under Antonio Conte.
Martinez has forged a formidable attacking partnership with Belgian superstar Romelu Lukaku, playing a pivotal role in Inter’s imperious Serie A title charge in 2020/21. He has racked up a staggering 49 goals and 20 assists in 132 appearances for the newly-crowned Italian champions since arriving from Racing Club in 2018.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have registered interest in the Milan stalwart. With the signing of Sergio Aguero earlier in June, the Catalans are likely to withdraw from the race for Martinez, which could pave the way for Diego Simeone to land the highly-right forward.
However, the Nerazzurri are unwilling to negotiate the departure of their talisman this summer, which might have a knock-on effect on Hakimi. The Morocco international enjoyed an outstanding maiden season in Italy but could be on his way out of Lombardy after just one year.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are embroiled in a keenly-contested race for Hakimi’s signature, who finished the 2020/21 campaign as the most prolific defender in Europe’s top-five leagues. PSG initially seemed to be on the cusp of capturing the ex-Real Madrid starlet before the Premier League powerhouse joined the fray.
Negotiations between Inter and PSG have broken down as the Italians continue to stick to the €50million valuation of their prized asset. Even though they need to raise €80m from player sales this summer, the Nerazzurri are reluctant to allow two first-team stars to leave, and Martinez is likely to stay put.