Inter Milan insist they have no intention of allowing captain Lautaro Martinez to leave this month, despite Barcelona’s growing interest in the Argentina international, TEAMtalk sources understand.
Barcelona have identified Lautaro as one of their leading alternatives as their pursuit of Julian Alvarez continues to show little sign of succeeding.
Sources confirmed on Friday that Alvarez remains intent on trying to force through a move to the Nou Camp, but Atletico Madrid continue to resist.
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin again made his position clear in comments to EFE on Friday, insisting the club would not allow Barcelona or any other side to dictate their sporting strategy.
“We can NOT allow other clubs to decide what we have to do, mark our sports strategy and disrespect us,” Gil Marin said.
He added: “We are going to help Julián Álvarez and we are going to continue to take care of him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to continue competing among the greats of Europe.”
That continued stance has forced Barcelona sporting director Deco to work increasingly hard on alternatives.
Lautaro is one of the players Barcelona like, but we understand that Inter’s position is unequivocal: their captain is not for sale.
Inter have already closed the door on approaches and remain determined to keep the striker as they prepare for the new Serie A season.
That makes a deal extremely difficult, but Barcelona are continuing their background work on other options, with Victor Osimhen among those also being considered as a late window option…
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Osimhen emerging as genuine Barcelona transfer option
Indeed, sources can reveal that Osimhen is firmly on Deco’s radar and is another forward being considered should the Alvarez situation prove impossible.
The Galatasaray striker has been among the most prominent alternatives discussed by Barcelona throughout the summer and his profile remains highly appealing to the club.
For now, however, Alvarez remains the priority, with Barcelona still trying to find a solution despite Atletico’s refusal to negotiate.
Lautaro therefore represents a difficult alternative, given Inter’s determination to retain their captain, while Osimhen is emerging as a more realistic name for Barcelona to explore.
With the transfer window entering its final phase, Deco is continuing to work through multiple scenarios, but the latest message from Inter is clear: Lautaro Martinez is staying at San Siro.
Ironically, Osimhen is also reportedly emerging as a target for Arsenal as they too look into a move for the Nigerian as their own Plan B option to Alvarez.
As a result, reports in France claim the Gunners have laid out their conditions if they are to make a move for the Galatasaray frontman.