Inter Milan continue playing hardball with Barcelona for Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan not interested in negotiating a player-swap with Barcelona.
Barcelona know that they are going to need to be creative if they hope to land their transfer targets for next season. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is one of the players they are reportedly interested in.
However, their chase for the Argentine has hit a snag as the Serie A side has set new terms in what they would be willing to accept.
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According to Diario Sport, Inter Milan only want cash in exchange for their coveted striker.
Other reports claimed that Barcelona were looking to offer players in an attempt to lower the player’s transfer fee.
While Barcelona offered Arturo Vidal, Inter wanted the likes of Arthur Melo, Nelson Semedo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Aleña.
Inter know they hold the cards in a potential deal because they are not in a hurry to sell Martinez. It’s actually quite the opposite.
With so many other teams linked with Martinez, there is likely to be a bidding war and Inter are going to want the get the most they can from a bidder.
Deciding to accept a player to lower his fee right now would not make sense.
His release clause of €111 million is too much for Barcelona since there are other areas on the pitch they need to strengthen. Also, there’s Philippe Coutinho who is likely to return from loan next season.
The club is going to need to figure out what they’re going to do with Coutinho before they can sign Martinez. Despite knowing that they’re unlikely to recuperate what they paid for him, selling him would bring in a significant sum that they can then use to pay for the Argentine.
Next. Manchester duo and Real Madrid enter hunt for Barcelona target. dark
A bidding war is the last thing Barça want to get into because they know Premier League teams would be in a better position. Again, their plan remains to include a player in a deal. They still believe they’d take Arturo Vidal but they may need to include more players to sweeten the deal.