Chelsea and Man Utd informed probabilities of signing Lautaro Martinez after Inter heroics

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has informed Chelsea and Manchester United to overlook about signing Lautaro Martinez this summer season because the red-hot Argentine frontman is completely happy on the San Siro, a spot he considers to be his “home”. The World Cup-winning striker booked the Nerazzurri’s place within the Champions League ultimate on Tuesday evening when he rifled the ball dwelling below the physique of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to offer Inter a 3-0 mixture lead over their arch-rivals.

His decisive, medical show provided one other well timed reminder of his high quality having lately hit the 20-goal mark in Serie A for the second successive season.

With Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, who’s the one participant to have outscored Martinez in Italy this season, each valued at over £100million – the Inter striker is anticipated to be the topic of robust curiosity from each Chelsea and United this summer season.

However, Inter legend Zanetti believes the three-time European champions stand a powerful probability of preserving Martinez past this summer season because the participant is greater than happy in Milan the place his household really feel settled.

Zanetti stated after the Champions League overcome AC Milan: “Lautaro is part of a great journey, he grows from year to year.

“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.”

The 25-year-old is currently tied down to a long-term contract until 2026 at San Siro.

In the summer of 2021, Tottenham struck a £60m deal with Inter for Martinez only for the agreement to be scuppered by Chelsea’s club-record £97.5m bid for Romelu Lukaku.

Inter instead opted to offload the Belgian to Stamford Bridge and kept his striker partner Martinez, who has remained integral to Simone Inzaghi’s project.

Barcelona and Arsenal have also previously shown interest in the Argentina international but he has remained committed to Inter where he continues to thrive as the main figure in attack.

Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be keen on signing his compatriot upon arrival at Chelsea this summer, although both Kane and Osimhen are also on his transfer shortlist.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham head coach may now be forced to explore alternative targets after Zanetti made it clear Inter will not give up their striker without a fight.

Martinez, who wore the Inter captain’s armband against AC Milan, says he was able to use his experience from Argentina’s World Cup triumph to drive his side over the line.

“I believe there’s a lot of history in this match,” Martinez informed Sky Italia after acknowledging the significance of beating AC Milan.

“I felt it. I told the guys in the dressing room and we did a great job across both matches.

“The group was key for us, I had a similar experience at the World Cup. If you can convey that you’re a good group, you get to experience these incredible matches.”

Inter nonetheless have work to do in Serie A earlier than they safe Champions League qualification for subsequent season.

Inzaghi’s aspect are at the moment third within the desk with three matches left to play – 5 factors away from fifth-placed AC Milan, who’re 4 factors adrift of Lazio in fourth.