Manchester United were "following" Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Argentine was heavily linked to both Arsenal and Tottenham, but Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that the Red Devils also considered him.

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What is the latest transfer news involving United?

United could find themselves in desperate need of a new forward this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo's future currently in doubt.

As per The Athletic, Chelsea are considering a move for the Portugal legend, who is keen to leave Old Trafford for a second time.

The above comes after the same outlet claimed that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had held discussions over a potential switch to Stamford Bridge last month, a development Romano has also confirmed.

It would leave Erik ten Hag in dire need of a new No.9 if that is not already the case.

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What has Romano said about Martinez and United?

If Ten Hag does sign a new No.9, it is unlikely to be Martinez, with Romano telling GMS that the player is staying at Inter despite attracting interest from United.

On the Argentina international and the Red Devils, the journalist said: "It's not easy in the market because there are not so many players. We know Lautaro Martinez is a player they were following, but he's staying at Inter. Christopher Nkunku extended his contract with Leipzig and he was really linked to Ralf Rangnick."

Would Martinez have been a good signing for United?

Without question. Martinez is easily one of the best forwards in European football right now.

Last season, the 24-year-old, who is valued at £103m by the CIES Football Observatory, scored 25 goals in all competitions for Inter.

Over the last year, he has also ranked in the 99th percentile for total shots and the 94th for touches in the penalty area among his positional peers (via FBref), so this is a striker who is an absolute threat. Unfortunately for United, though, he does not seem to be available in this transfer window.

All in all, Martinez could have been a great replacement for Ronaldo, though a lot still needs to happen if the ex-Juventus and Real Madrid star is to leave Old Trafford before the end of his contract.

And given that United and Chelsea will both be competing for a Champions League spot in the 2022/23 season, the Red Devils allowing him to move to Stamford Bridge just seems highly unlikely. Still, this is probably one to keep an eye on this summer.