La Liga
The Barcelona transfer market signed Gabriel Jesus as their '9', despite not being Option A or B. Lautaro Martinez, a 29-year-old forward and captain of Inter Milan, confirmed that the Catalan club showed interest in signing him during the summer transfer window. The Argentine decided to stay in Italy, where he has a contract until June 2029, and thus ruled out an immediate exit.
The player spoke after the close of the transfer market during the Gran Gala del Calcio held in Milan. He acknowledged Barcelona's interest with satisfaction but clarified that his priority was always to stay with his teammates and continue his career at Inter.
Martinez stated that he has made his decision and that his life is currently in Milan. His continuity is not the result of last-minute negotiation: the forward renewed in August 2024, extending his contract for five seasons, a duration that allowed the Italian club to handle external interest without needing to sell.
Lautaro Martinez Refused to Leave Inter Milan
Martinez's stance closed one of the avenues Barcelona had explored to reinforce their attack. The captain explained that he feels comfortable both in the dressing room and the club and aims to improve on the results from the previous season.
Since his arrival from Racing Club in 2018, Lautaro Martinez has scored 175 goals in 376 matches for the Italian side. His sporting importance and captaincy status led Inter Milan to resist any offers without a formal proposal that could alter their plans.
That offer never arrived. Reports from Italy suggest that the Italian club did not receive an official offer from Barcelona, despite contacts and interest in knowing the player's situation. Therefore, the operation did not progress to club-to-club negotiations.
Martinez also reflected on the previous season's achievements, highlighting winning two titles, including the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto. He used these successes to express confidence in the work in Milan and his desire to continue as a key player in the team.
Barcelona Considered Martinez After Julián Álvarez Situation
Lautaro Martinez's name gained prominence in Barcelona's plans when the acquisition of Julián Álvarez became unfeasible. The Atletico Madrid forward was a target for the Catalan club, who then explored alternatives for the striker position.
It was in this context that Martinez emerged. Barcelona appreciated his experience, goal-scoring record, and contract with Inter, but the contract running until 2029 limited negotiation possibilities. The player's refusal to change teams ultimately halted any progress before the market closed.
The Argentine also had words for Leo Messi after his departure from the Argentine national team. Martinez noted the impact of Messi's absence on football and praised the values Messi epitomized during their time together in the national team.
With the market now closed and no formal offer submitted to Inter Milan, there is no ongoing operation between the clubs. The next scenario for Lautaro Martinez depends on future markets, although his contract until June 2029 and decision to stay in Milan keep his departure off the immediate agenda.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Lautaro reconoce que rechazó al Barcelona!
