Newcastle United have been linked with Lautaro Martinez, and he will be a contender to win the Golden Boot at this year’s World Cup.
The Inter Milan striker has been named in Argentina’s squad for the competition, who will arrive in Qatar as one of the favourites to win the entire tournament.
They haven’t lifted the World Cup since 1986, but many people believe this could be their year in what could be Lionel Messi’s final appearance on football’s grandest stage.
He will be joined by Martinez, who has been enjoying a decent season in Italy. The 25-year-old has scored seven Serie A goals, and has 14 goal contributions in all competitions from 21 appearances.
His numbers are impressive, and that’s why pundit Ian Wright is predicting he will win the Golden Boot this winter.
Lautaro Martinez a contender for the World Cup Golden Boot
Speaking on The Ringer podcast, the former Arsenal striker had his say on who will score the most goals at the upcoming World Cup.
“Because I’ve gone with Argentina [to win it], someone’s got to blast them to it,” Wright said.
“I think Lautaro Martinez might be the one to finish it off. He might be the one to score the goals. He might be Steve Kerr.”
For reference, Steve Kerr is a five-time NBA champion, best known for his exploits with the Chicago Bulls in the 90s. He is one of the best ‘shooters’ in NBA history, which basically means he was really good at putting the ball in the net.
And that’s what Wright thinks Martinez will do at the World Cup for Argentina.
Newcastle transfer would be a real surprise
But what does all of this have to do with Newcastle United? Well, according to reports in Italy the Magpies are interested in signing Martinez.
Inter Live recently claimed that Eddie Howe’s side are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the forward. The other two are Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The report adds that Newcastle are willing to double Martinez’s salary. He currently earns €7million-a-year, meaning Inter Live think Newcastle want to pay him €14million-a-year. In English money, that translates to more than £200,000-a-week.
So for that simple reason, you can take this rumour with a pinch of salt.
Newcastle already have Callum Wilson leading the line, while Alexander Isak is due to return from injury next month. So we’ve got no need for Martinez, nor are we likely to pay anyone that kind of money right now.
While he might be a Golden Boot contender, it won’t lead to him earning a move to St James’ Park, despite reports in Italy.
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