Report: Inter seals €20M deal for Racing's highly rated Lautaro Martinez

Inter has reportedly lined up a potential replacement for Mauro Icardi.

The Nerazzurri struck a €20.2-million deal Wednesday to sign Racing Club striker Lautaro Martinez in June, according to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti was influential throughout the negotiation process, Di Marzio added, with the Italian side beating fellow suitor Atletico Madrid to the signing of the 20-year-old Argentinian poacher.

Martinez rose to prominence during the Sudamericano Sub 20 last year, scoring five goals to claim co-ownership of the tournament's Golden Boot award.

Martinez has yet to make a senior appearance with the national team, but head coach Jorge Sampaoli is apparently considering the youngster ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Sampaoli was visibly impressed last Thursday as he watched Martinez score a hat-trick in Racing's 4-0 win over Huracan:

Sampaoli has previously eschewed big names for players based in Argentina, famously leaving Gonzalo Higuain out of the lineup for Boca Juniors striker Dario Benedetto.

News of Martinez's arrival at San Siro has already stoked rumours that Icardi is heading out the door. Real Madrid is allegedly interested in the 24-year-old, who has a release clause in his contract worth a reported €100 million.

Inter's ongoing struggle to meet UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations could also force Icardi's sale - especially if the club fails to qualify for next season's Champions League.