Barcelona prepares €100 million bid for Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez
The Catalan club is shifting its focus from Julian Alvarez to the Argentine striker, with initial contacts made despite Italian reports suggesting Inter Milan intends to hold onto its captain.
FC Barcelona is actively pursuing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez to replace Robert Lewandowski, marking a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy. Reports indicate that the Catalan side has moved its focus away from Julian Alvarez, with Martinez now considered the primary target to bolster the attack before the transfer window closes.
According to Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito, Barcelona is “working flat out” on the Martinez deal. Alvarez stated that the club has held several meetings with the player and his representatives, while also making first contacts with Inter Milan. He noted that while other alternatives exist, the current priority is securing the Argentine forward.
Barcelona is reportedly preparing an initial offer for Martinez that will not exceed €100 million. This figure represents a cap for the first bid rather than a guaranteed final fee, as the club aims to finalise the transfer before the deadline. The move comes as Barcelona seeks to address its striker position following the departure of Lewandowski.
However, the path to a deal remains uncertain due to conflicting reports from Italy. Italian media outlets suggest that Inter Milan has no intention of selling Martinez this summer, given his status as the club’s captain. Martinez has previously stated that he would be happy to spend the rest of his career at Inter, adding to the complexity of negotiations.
Despite the reported reluctance from Inter, Spanish sources indicate that the Italian club is expected to negotiate and that the deal could be closed. The discrepancy between the two reporting camps highlights the tension in the transfer market, with Barcelona pushing for a resolution while Inter Milan weighs the value of retaining its key player.
The pursuit of Martinez is not unprecedented, as the Argentine has been linked with Barcelona in previous transfer windows. Nevertheless, the timing of the move, close to the end of the window, raises questions about whether Inter Milan will be willing to part with its captain on such short notice.
