The negotiations between Barcelona and Inter Milan
Barcelona has been chasing Lautaro Martinez for the past several months as the Blaugrana believe that the Argentine man is the perfect replacement for Luis Suarez who has lately been struggling with his fitness due to his age and recent injury on his knee.
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However, although Barca desperately wants to procure the services of Martinez and so does Lionel Messi, Inter Milan have made a strong statement regarding the on-going negotiations that they will not their striker sign for any club unless the 111 million release clause is met.
The Blaugrana currently find themselves in tight space as the pandemic has heavily impacted the club’s financial status which has ruled out most major signings including Neymar. To counter the current situation, Bartomeu was willing to offer Arturo Vidal along with cash in exchange for Lautaro Martinez, however, every effort made from the offices at the Camp Nou has been turned down.
The only option that Barca has in their hands to raise money now is by selling a few players if they wish to sign the Argentine striker this summer.
Ousmane Dembele blocks Martinez from signing for Barcelona
Ousmane Dembele has been arguably the worst-ever signing in the history of football. The young French forward signed for approximately 140 million euros including all additional expenses after one admirable season at Borussia Dortmund. The Catalan board panicked with the loss of Neymar to Pairs Saint-Germain and signed Ousmane Dembele as an immediate backup due to a panic-stricken decision.
The former Dortmund man has missed over 50 matches for Barcelona due to his long history of injuries and despite missing most of the crucial games, the French forward racks up a whopping 12 million euro salary a year.
Josep Maria Bartomeu considered offloading Ousmane Dembele this summer since the player is an unnecessary burden at the club, however, according to Don Balon the player has made it clear that he will continue at the club despite the rumours.
Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele are mostly likely to continue next season although they have offers from prestigious clubs such as Liverpool for Dembele and Chelsea for Coutinho. Rumours stated that Jurgen Klopp was even willing to offer 100 million euros for Dembele, however, the winger has made his opinion clear on his future at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s only shot at realistically raising money this season through sales has been completely wiped out as Samuel Umtiti is out injured, Philippe Coutinho has been included in Quique Setien’s plans for next season and Ousmane Dembele has turned down all offers.
It seems like Martinez will not be signing for Barca this season and Bartomeu would have to look for other alternatives that would be available in the market.
What do you make of Ousmane Dembele’s behaviour?