Barcelona receive Lautaro Martinez transfer ultimatum
Barcelona have been issued a strong message from Inter Milan as their pursuit of Lautaro Martinez hits a snag. The Catalan giants have made no secret of the fact they want to bring the forward to the Camp Nou this summer.
Lautaro has made a reputation for himself as one of Serie A’s most devastating forwards since arriving from Racing Club.
Barcelona see him as the heir to Luis Suarez’s throne as the club’s star striker.
Martinez himself is thought to be keen on joining up with international team-mate Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
However, last night, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio made it clear that Martinez will only leave if his £97million release clause is activated.
“As far as Martinez is concerned, there is only one way that he will leave Inter and that is by paying his clause,” Ausilio added.
“A clause that everyone knows – there is no point in hiding – is demanding, because it has both deadlines and commitments that must be kept very precise.
“It is a clause that expires in the early part of July so it won’t last for a long time.
“And it is the only possibility that exists to take Lautaro away from Inter today.”
Barcelona are said to be willing to offer a number of players as part of the deal.
Those includes the likes of Nelson Semedo, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic.
“Many clubs have contacted us to address the Lautaro theme,” Ausilio addded.
“Among these, the most determined one, with whom we have a friendly and cordial relationship, is Barcelona. I don’t hide this.
“And I know that Barcelona knows perfectly well what our intentions are. Inter have no intention of selling Lautaro Martinez. Then, I repeat there is a clause.”
Should Barcelona be forced to lie down in the race for Martinez, it could spell danger for Liverpool.
The Reds have reportedly pulled out of the race for Timo Werner this summer due to the current financial limitations imposed by the coronavirus crisis.
Yet Barcelona have already held talks with Werner’s entourage and see him as a possible alternative.
Read Also: Messi expresses heartbreak over Copa America postponement
Given Suarez’s age and injury struggles, Barca feel as though they cannot afford to go another season without a striker.
That could mean attentions turns to Werner, a player Inter are also tracking incase they lose Martinez.