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Lionel Messi’s transfer guidelines have shifted Barcelona away from Lautaro

By Nishant Narayanan

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with Lionel Messi of Argentina after scoring the opening goal during the Copa America Brazil 2019 group B match between Qatar and Argentina at Arena do Gremio on June 23, 2019 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Alessandra Cabral/Getty Images)
PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with Lionel Messi of Argentina after scoring the opening goal during the Copa America Brazil 2019 group B match between Qatar and Argentina at Arena do Gremio on June 23, 2019 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Alessandra Cabral/Getty Images) /
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Ongoing transfer negotiations with Inter Milan have reportedly taken a hit as Barcelona president shifts focus based on Messi’s request.

There is no surprise that Barcelona are keen on signing a long term successor to Luis Suarez with Inter’s Lautaro Martinez tipped as the ideal replacement. The complication surrounding the deal, however, has reportedly put off club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, with focus at Camp Nou shifting to a Colombian alternative.

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Lionel Messi is said to be the mastermind as his request to the club of not wanting them to make a massive signing this season has caught Bartomeu’s interest. Barca captain wants a footballer who can play as a substitute but at the same time capable of performing consistently well. This idea was the same for Martin Braithwaite’s signing.

Braithwaite has shown immense talent since his arrival at the Nou Camp but the Spanish giants have realized that he is not a pure No. 9. West Ham are reportedly keen on signing the Danish international for 20 million euros. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann was tipped by many as the natural heir to Suarez but has failed to do so ever since his arrival from Atletico Madrid last year. The Frenchman plays more from behind especially when playing left-wing while the club needs a proper striker.

Bartomeu has reportedly found the ideal no.9 for the Catalans, a Colombian striker currently playing in the Argentinian side, River Plate, by the name of Rafael Borre. The 24-year-old has established himself as a marquee player in Argentine Super League.

Rafael, at such a young age, has already established himself in Colombia’s national team, having scored 13 goals and providing two assists in 21 appearances this season. He is a former Atletico player, however, he failed to make any appearances for them. Being loaned to Villarreal as Atletico’s youth player did give him a year of La Liga experience.

Next. Quique Setien says Lautaro Martinez will not sign for Barcelona. dark

Should Barca sign the talented striker instead of Lautaro?

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