Manchester City have been tracking Inter striker Lautaro Martinez ‘over the past year’ as they contemplate a move for him, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Cityzens are expected to be in the market for attacking reinforcements when the market reopens for business after failing to replace Sergio Aguero last summer.

What is the latest news involving Manchester City?

According to German outlet SportBild, the reigning Premier League champions are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland following the conclusion of the current campaign.

The report states that Haaland’s ‘change is imminent’ as City prepare to pay his €75 million (£62.8m) release clause, yet several European heavyweights are also believed to be in the running for his signature.

Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also listed as potential suitors for the Norway international by the Daily Mail in what is expected to be a hotly contested pursuit for the 6 foot 4 sensation.

Therefore, it seems as though City are keeping their options open over potential new recruits in the final third of the pitch.

A recent report from The Sun claimed that the Etihad Stadium outfit are interested in prising Martinez away from San Siro despite him signing a deal until 2026 as recently as October.

What has Jones said about Martinez?

Since arriving at Inter from Argentine outfit Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has established himself as one of the most promising young attackers in world football, even being compared to compatriot Sergio Aguero.

In 172 appearances for Nerazzurri, the diminutive dynamo has registered 65 goals and 22 assists, claiming the Serie A title last term along the way.

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And Jones has revealed that City ‘have looked at’ Martinez over the last 12 months as manager Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his forward line.

He told GiveMeSport: “I've even heard that Manchester City have looked at him over the past year and have considered whether he might be a good fit for them. So, I think once again this summer, we will see rumours around Lautaro Martinez.”

What is City’s current striker situation?

Guardiola has opted to play without a recognised number nine on numerous occasions this season, allowing Ferran Torres to join Barcelona in January and shifting Gabriel Jesus to right-wing.

The change in approach has largely been successful, with City sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Yet they have scored seven goals fewer than second-placed Liverpool in the top-flight, and such small margins can make a big difference, meaning an out-and-out striker may be at the top of Guardiola’s summer wish list.