In an interview with Milan based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, legendary Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli has reaffirmed his belief that Lautaro Martinez is worth the same as Neymar amid continued reports that Barcelona wish to sign Lautaro in the upcoming transfer window.
“I said it eight months ago that Lautaro Martinez is worth the same as Neymar to me. I really mean it. He is not even 23-years-old yet, he is young, he is a real talent, a serious boy, one of the strongest in the world in his role and he has shown what kind of player he is,” he started.
“I understand that he will be flattered when clubs like Barcelona are looking at him but I feel like telling him this. Inter are a club who wants to win and they can do it so stay and win at Inter because the Nerazzurri have a project which is destined to see them raise trophies.”
Altobelli then went on to speak about the financial power that Inter now have thanks to being owned by Suning and no longer under such strict Financial Fair Play regulations.
“Inter spent so much last Summer and it means that Zhang has no financial problems of any kind. Inter can afford to pass up on any offers made for players and are able to buy anyone they want. If Lautaro wants to play with Messi, why don’t Inter offer Leo the chance to come and play in Milan?”
Altobelli proceeded to sing the praises of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku who has had a stellar first season with the club having netted 23 goals in 35 appearances to date.
“At first many were perplexed about him but I wasn’t. I already knew all about him as I follow English football. He is good in the penalty box, very fast and impossible to stop. He has also proven to be a great professional and someone at the total disposal of the club he works for.”
Next he was asked which areas of the team he thinks Inter need to improve upon.
“Everything can be improved, for heaven’s sake, there can never be too many champions in any department but the attack is not where I would make the first moves. Nor in defence, where there are players who would be the starters in some other top European clubs. I would look to improve the two wings.”
He then went on to praise Inter manager Antonio Conte for the improvement Inter have made this year: “Conte has done a great job this year, there is a clear and recognisable project.
In conclusion he was asked who he thinks will win the Serie A title should the season resume.
“There was a lot of balance before the stop and it is a pity that this season was interrupted. Lazio will be obnoxious and they can do it and woe to anyone who says that Lazio were a surprise.”
