Chelsea and Manchester City have both submitted significant offers to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona had been leading the race to sign the Argentina international as the La Liga giants look to freshen up their attack this summer.
However, Chelsea and City have tabled substantially more lucrative terms to the club and player, reportedly willing to offer a salary of more than £8.7million-a-year.
Martinez has been on fire in Serie A this season, scoring 11 goals in 22 league appearances before the competition was postponed over the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Marca, Barcelona believe if the striker is to make his decision based on footballing reasons, he will either go to the Nou Camp or stay at Inter.
The Spanish giants are confident Martinez’s arrival is on track and his final decision to make the move is not far away.
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Barcelona have the lure of Champions League football, which Pep Guardiola’s side may not if their UEFA appeal fails to get overturned.
Martinez’s agent Alberto Yaque admitted earlier this week that he is yet to sit down officially with any clubs to discuss terms over a summer move.
Yaque told Radio del Plata: ‘His constant growth makes the best teams in the world notice him and have that concept.
‘Hopefully he will be rewarded for his effort. We have chatted with many people, but nothing more.
‘For now those who call me are not directly employed by the club. There is nothing formal or serious.
‘It is something dreamed of being the player in the market. He is not expecting anything, all he wants is to play and score goals.’
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