Inter Milan Stands Firm: Lautaro Martínez Is Not For Sale Amid Barcelona Rumors
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Barcelona is reportedly pursuing Inter Milan's captain, Lautaro Martínez, as a key striker target after failing to secure Julián Álvarez.
- Inter Milan, through coach Cristian Chivu, has firmly stated that Martínez is not for sale and is considered an "untouchable" player.
- Martínez, who has a contract until 2029 and is valued at €85 million, is seen as a crucial emblem of Inter's identity and future.
With Barcelona actively seeking a new center-forward following the departures of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford, their attention has reportedly turned to Inter Milan's captain, Lautaro Martínez. This pursuit comes after Atlético Madrid rebuffed Barcelona's interest in Julián Álvarez. Spanish media suggest Barcelona has prepared a compelling contract offer for the Argentine international, aiming to secure his signature.
He is our captain and we will keep him with us. I believe he will stay here for a long time.
However, Inter Milan has quickly shut down these rumors. Coach Cristian Chivu emphatically declared Martínez as "untouchable" and not for sale, a stance echoed by Italian sports publications like La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports. Chivu stressed that the club's priority is to retain their captain, stating, "He is our captain and we will keep him with us. I believe he will stay here for a long time."
Martínez, who turns 29 soon and is celebrating in Milan, has not publicly commented on the Barcelona speculation. Nevertheless, Inter's management has moved swiftly to clarify their position. Despite acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, Chivu reiterated the club's clear intention: "What is certain is that we want Lautaro to stay."
The transfer market can be really ruthless, so I won't comment further. What is certain is that we want Lautaro to stay.
Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, is reportedly impressed by Martínez's record of 175 goals in 376 appearances for Inter. However, Inter is unlikely to easily part with their star player, especially given his importance. Martínez scored 22 goals in 41 games last season and provided six assists. He was also a key player in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory and reached the final of the 2026 World Cup. His current contract extends to 2029, and his market value is estimated at €85 million, having previously reached €100 million. Chivu views Martínez not just as a player but as a symbol of the club's past, present, and future aspirations.
The fact that he is mentioned is a recognition, but we keep Lautaro close because he represents what we have been and what we want to continue being.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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