Barcelona’s hopes of signing Lautaro Martinez have suffered a fresh blow after Inter Milan made clear they have no intention of negotiating the Argentina striker’s departure, according to reports in Catalonia and Italy.
The Spanish club are searching for a recognised centre-forward during the current summer transfer window, but their options are narrowing. Barcelona had already been forced to look beyond Julian Alvarez after Atletico de Madrid refused to consider talks over the Argentina international.
They could now encounter a similar obstacle if they pursue Martinez, with Italian media reporting that Inter consider their captain to be unavailable for transfer.
Sky Sport Italia is among the outlets to have stated that Inter regard Martinez as non-transferable and do not plan to open negotiations with Barcelona, even before the Catalan club make a formal approach.
Barcelona’s sporting department is under increasing pressure to strengthen the attack. Despite the promising performances of Hamza Abdulkareem during pre-season, head coach Hansi Flick remains keen to add another striker.
That need has become more pressing following Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona therefore face a difficult task in identifying a forward who is both available and suitable for Flick’s plans.
Martinez is preparing to begin his ninth season with Inter after joining the Italian club from Argentine side Racing Club in 2018 for about 25m euros.
Since arriving in Milan, the 28-year-old has developed into one of the most important figures at the club. His market value rose significantly during his time in Italy, reaching 100m euros at one stage, and is now estimated at approximately 85m euros.
Any attempt by Barcelona to sign him would also be complicated by the length and value of his current agreement. Martinez is contracted to Inter until 2029 and earns a substantial salary, while he is understood to feel settled in Milan with his family.
Despite those obstacles, Sport says there are reasons that could encourage Martinez to consider a move. They include the prospect of experiencing a new challenge after several years at Inter, enhancing his standing in world football and having a greater opportunity to compete for major trophies and individual awards, including the Golden Boot and Ballon d’Or.
However, Barcelona have less than two weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, increasing the urgency around their search for a striker. Sport said that attempt to change Inter’s position on Martinez would be “extremely difficult”, particularly after Barcelona encountered a comparable barrier in their efforts to sign Alvarez.
Martinez has become a central figure at Inter since his move from Racing Club, and the Italian club’s firm stance means Barcelona may have to continue exploring alternatives. Their pursuit of a new number nine comes as the club also assesses its squad following Torres’ departure and the emergence of Abdulkareem during preparations for the new campaign.
Barcelona’s latest difficulty follows the refusal of Atletico de Madrid to negotiate for Alvarez, leaving the Catalan side facing resistance from two clubs as it tries to complete one of its key summer priorities.
