Inter talisman Lautaro Martinez could be one of the rare European superstars to resist the temptation of embracing the riches of Saudi Arabia this summer. As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the Argentine forward has turned down a ‘mega offer’ from the Gulf state to pledge his allegiance to Giuseppe Meazza.
Not many European players have stayed immune to the Saudis’ charms this summer. But Martinez could become a trendsetter. Despite being offered a mind-blowing €60m net per season from Al-Hilal, the 25-year-old has rejected the possibility of moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal, also interested in former Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, made an audacious attempt to lure the ex-Racing star to the Middle East. However, their effort came a cropper, as Martinez knocked back their bid that would’ve tenfold his annual earnings.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves have joined the Riyadh outfit this summer. Their arrivals have strengthened Al-Hilal’s confidence about acquiring another household name in a rampaging shopping spree. Yet, the Inter standout performer said ‘no.’
Inter would’ve probably blocked the transfer anyway. The Nerazzurri have pinned a stratospheric €150m price tag on Martinez to fend off the prying eyes of the loaded Gulf country. Luckily for Beppe Marotta, he might not have to consider such proposals as the Serie A goal-getter doesn’t fancy a move.
Martinez has been central to Simone Inzaghi’s system over the past couple of years. Only last season, he tallied 28 goals and 11 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions. That’s not to mention his scoring exploits fired Inter to Coppa Italia glory in May.
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