Barcelona are still looking for a permanent replacement for Luis Suarez with Inter’s Lautaro Martinez leading the race, but there are other alternatives the club should consider.
Lautaro has been an important part of Antonio Conte‘s Inter Milan, having scored 16 goals in the last 31 matches. The Italian side have made it clear that they do not want to sell their star youngster to Barcelona, but could potentially lose the 22-year-old as a result of his clause.
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For the first two weeks of July, the Argentine’s release clause is set at €111 million, an amount Barca have displayed an unwillingness to pay. They are instead looking to reduce the amount by offering few players like Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Nelson Semedo.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played its toll as the Catalans look to re-evaluate their summer transfer plans due to the financial impact of the situation. If Blaugrana wants to improve their squad by adding reinforcements then they need to consider the possible alternatives.
One of the footballers that immediately comes to mind is RB Leipzig‘s, Timo Werner. The 24-year-old is a technically gifted striker who has a powerful shot. He is also comfortable rotating positions among other attackers, a trait needed to play alongside Lionel Messi as its Leo’s nature to move around the field.
Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham is another young striker capable of filling Suarez’s shoes, especially considering he regards Suarez very highly. The Blues have displayed their interest in Philippe Coutinho and the Spanish side could look for a possible swap between the two players.
La Liga’s new star, Alexander Isak, has impressed the world with his performance with Real Sociedad. The 20-year-old has managed to score 14 goals in 34 appearances this season. His current contract expires in 2024 with a release clause set at €70 million.
Another 20-year-old is Canadian Jonathan David who has had a tremendous season so far with Belgian side, Gent, having scored 23 goals and providing another 10 assists. The youngster is under contract until 2023 with a transfer fee of around €25 million.
Lille’s 21-year-old striker Victor Osimhen can also be a player to consider as he has scored 18 goals and provided 6 assists this season. He is under contract until 2024 and valued around €27 million.
Should Barca consider a cheaper alternative to Lautaro Martinez?