Real Madrid set to battle Barcelona for highly-rated Serie A striker

Real Madrid have joined the transfer race for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to a report from The Sun.

The Argentine youngster is one of the sought-after strikers in Europe at the moment, with Barcelona and Manchester United battling for his signature.

It is added that Zinedine Zidane wants to bolster the attacking options after getting disappointed with Luka Jovic’s run of form. The Serbian has failed to create any sort of impact since making his switch from Frankfurt last summer.

Teaming up with Romelu Lukaku in Inter’s frontline, Martinez has amassed 9 goals so far in Serie A this season. The 22-year-old was also impressive in the UCL group stage games, scoring against Barca and Dortmund.

Martinez reportedly holds a release clause worth £94million and Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona are said to consider him as the ultimate successor to Luis Suarez.

Nerazzurri manager Antonio Conte wants to keep hold of the Argentine but is aware that he can't prevent any transfer, should his release clause get triggered.

Los Blancos has been solely reliant on Karim Benzema in the attack, with the Frenchman enjoying a brilliant season with 16 goals under his name.  

Zidane’s men are set to face Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup finals.