Italian journalist Massimo Marianella believes that Marko Arnautovic will be the backup option to Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan.
Speaking on Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, the journalist gave his prediction on how the former West Ham United and Stoke City striker will fit in at the Nerazzurri after his move from Bologna.
Inter are close to signing Arnautovic.
The Austrian’s arrival will mean that there are four forwards in the Nerazzurri’s squad once again.
Naturally, there will be some questions about who is first choice, and how different attacking pairings will operate.
What looks very clear is that, barring injuries, Lautaro Martinez will be virtually immovable from the starting eleven in Inter’s most important matches. The Argentine now wears the captain’s armband at the Nerazzurri, and has been their top scorer in too seasons straight.
However, it is not exactly clear who will be the main strike partner for Martinez, and who will be backup.
Martinez is a versatile striker with strong technique, finishing, and a battle quality up front. However, the 25-year-old is not necessarily an out-and-out centre-forward, given his lack of height or pace in behind defenses.
Marianella Expects Arnautovic To Be Backup To Lautaro Martinez
In the past couple seasons, Martinez has formed attacking duos with both Romelu Lukaku and Edin Dzeko.
Both have left, with Arnautovic and Marcus Thuram replacing them.
The former certainly qualifies as an out-and-out Number Nine. The latter, on the other hand, is more of a versatile forward, having often played as a winger.
As far as Marianella is concerned, the journalist said that “I don’t think they’ve brought him to Milan to be the starter.”
“I think he’ll be the backup to Lautaro, who’s one of the best in the world in his position,” he continued.
He added of Arnautovic that “He’s a great striker. But in terms of his character, he perplexes me.”
