In the last couple of years, Lautaro Martinez has developed into one of the best strikers in world football. The 26-year-old has been in prolific form for Inter Milan, and also helped Argentina win the World Cup last year.

On the club front, things could have been so different for Lautaro. Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio has revealed that just prior to him signing for the Nerazzurri in 2018, he was very close to joining Atletico Madrid, who had an agreement in place with Racing Club.

“I can reveal that Lautaro Martínez was already a new Atletico Madrid player in 2018. There was just a small clause missing between Racing Club and Atletico.

“Both Javier Zanetti and Diego Milito both helped up. I decided to fly to Argentina and we ended up hijacking the deal.”

Inter Milan Atletico Madrid Lautaro Martinez Piero Ausilio Inter Argentina

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Piero Ausilio: 'Romelu Lukaku's disrespect of Inter Milan was unacceptable' sportsmole.co.uk / 6 months ago

Agent of Lautaro talks Ballon d'Or and Inter Milan plans m.allfootballapp.com / 6 months ago

Atletico Madrid captain reveals amusing 'House of Horrors' Halloween anecdote - 'It was a mistake' football-espana.net / 6 months ago

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Atletico Madrid were close to signing Lautaro Martinez in 2018 - Inter Milan director

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