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According to reports from Sky Italia, Como forward Martin Baturina has caught the attention of Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Manchester United.

The past few days have been particularly noteworthy for the 23-year-old striker, who opened the scoring for Croatia in their World Cup opener against England. However, his early strike was not enough, as the Three Lions rallied to secure a 4–2 victory.

Nonetheless, Baturina’s impressive display on football’s biggest international stage is expected to significantly boost his market value. Despite only completing his debut campaign in Serie A, the Dinamo Zagreb academy product has been on the radar of top European clubs for several months.

Both Leeds United and Bayern Munich have reportedly expressed interest in signing him, with Como already turning down a €50 million bid for the Croatian forward.

Baturina endured a challenging start to life at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium last season but managed to turn things around with strong performances in the latter half of the campaign. His resurgence helped Como secure qualification for the Champions League. Over the course of the season, he recorded eight goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Having joined Como from Dinamo Zagreb last summer for a transfer fee of €18 million, Baturina currently earns a gross annual salary of €930,000 under a contract that runs until June 2030.

The World Cup often serves as a valuable platform for clubs looking to enhance the market value of their players, whether they are considered surplus to requirements or essential squad members.

It is a well-known strategy in football, yet experienced observers understand that standout performances at the tournament do not always translate into consistent club-level success. Still, the World Cup’s global appeal remains unmatched.

Baturina had already been attracting attention before the tournament, much like many of his Como teammates. His goal in the opening match has likely intensified interest from potential suitors. Though Croatia lost their first game, they are known for their ability to progress deep into major competitions. With a potential third-place finish still offering a route to the knockout stage, Baturina will have further chances to enhance his reputation.

Some may argue that staying at Como for a bit longer could benefit Baturina’s development. However, once Premier League interest becomes concrete, moves tend to happen quickly in modern football, and a transfer could soon be on the horizon.

— Report by Anshuman Joshi