The two sides may be going toe to toe for the striker's signature this summer.

Barcelona and Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Lautaro Martinez with Inter Milan chief Giuseppe Marotta revealing that the striker could exit the side this summer. The 22-year-old striker has been on the radar of a number of top European clubs and could finally be tempted out of the Guiseppe Meaza should a substantial offer arrive for his service.

Despite struggling in his first season after arriving from Racing Club, Martinez has risen to prominence in the ongoing campaign- forming a lethal attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku under new boss Antonio Conte. This season, the Argentine international has registered 13 goals across all competitions.

Reports from Italy and Spain have claimed that Barcelona is aiming at securing the service of Lautaro Martinez after being identified as the potential successor of the aging Luis Suarez. Relatively, Premier League side Manchester United is also believed to be keeping tabs on the striker with the hope of reinforcing its attack this summer.

Contrary to earlier reports that Martinez will be tying down his future to the club with anew contract in the coming weeks, Inter Milan chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has stated that the forward will be allowed to depart if he expresses desire to leave.

"If Lautaro wants to leave we will evaluate the situation," he told Sports Mediaset.

"We are Inter and we don't necessarily have to sell to anyone. We want to grow up with important young players like Lautaro and Romelu Lukaku.

"If Lautaro wants to continue with us, we will be happy. He is with us right now."