Man City to battle 2 top European clubs for the signature of £97.5m-rated Argentine star

Manchester City are reportedly planning to rival Chelsea and Barcelona for Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez this summer.

The 22-year-old has scored 16 goals and four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions before the season was sentenced to a compulsory holiday.

His stats have however attracted the attention of top European clubs - with two EPL clubs and gunning for his signature.

According to UK Express, Barca want the Argentine as a long term replacement for aging Luis Suarez at Camp Nou.

While the Citizens are gunning for his signature as heir to countryman Sergio Aguero who has given his best to the blue side of Manchester since he joined them in 2011.

However, all the clubs interested in the forward would have to trigger his release clause of about £97.5 million.

With Pep Guardiola's Man City jumping in the chase for his signature, the bid would fierce among the rivals.

SunSport reports that Man City are willing to pay his fee owing to their manager's admiration for the Argentina star.

Meanwhile, City could hurt Chelsea's chances of signing the forward due to their interest in Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho.

Frank Lampard has already signed Hakim Ziyech in a £37 million deal from Ajax but might not be willing to go head-to-head with the powerhouses for the £97.5 million-rated attacker.