Italian transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that this past week Barcelona have tried to reopen talks with Inter over Lautaro Martinez but have failed in their attempts.
With Luis Suarez being told he is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp, Barcelona were reportedly preparing a new offer for Martinez to fill the void left by the Uruguayan.
According to Goal, while new Barca gaffer Ronald Koeman had expressed interest in Memphis Lyon’s Depay, it is Martinez who shall soon be the subject of a final offer from the Catalan giants.
The 22-year-old’s agent Beto Yaque, last month told media that Martinez was very happy at Inter despite interest from Barca.
“Lautaro’s transfer is more in the media than real life,” Yaque told La Figura de la Cancha. “Lautaro has three years on his contract with Inter and is very happy where he is. He’s had a very good season, still has the Europa League to play for and I hope Inter can go all the way in that competition.”
Martínez scored 14 Serie A goals as Antonio Conte’s Inter finished second and a point behind champions Juventus in 2019-20.
The possible signing of the Argentinian comes as Barca embark on a painful but much needed rebuild of their squad.
With the drama surrounding Lionel Messi sorted for now, the next step for the powers that be at the Nou Camp is to clear out of “deadwood”, with the recruitment of young promising talent to replace the Catalan giants’ senior stars thought to be a priority.