• Transfer news

Lautaro breaks his silence on Barcelona transfer talk

Lautaro Martinez, Inter Milan
Getty Images
Advertisement

The Inter striker has confirmed his future plans in Italy and settled transfer rumors linking him with FC Barcelona.

Lautaro Martinez has confirmed he held transfer talks with Barcelona in the past, but insists his priority lies in committing his long-term future to Inter Milan.

The 23-year-old was a subject of interest to Barcelona last year as the Blaugrana prepared for life after Luis Suarez. But while the Uruguayan did leave in 2020, a little earlier than he and many others had assumed, no replacement was found.

And now Lautaro insists a possible move to Camp Nou is over, with the Argentine’s full focus on his current club.

“It’s true, I was in negotiations with Barcelona,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I was clear with [manager Antonio] Conte, I told him: ‘I am only thinking about Inter, this is not going to affect me. However, it all belongs in the past. I am going to sign a contract extension with Inter.

“I don’t know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile, I play. My future is here, I see myself in Milan for a long time. I like everything about this city. The food, the fans, the team. I only have positive feelings.”

Lautaro has managed 15 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Inter this season, including 13 goals and three assists in Serie A.

The former Racing Club star plans to add to his tally in Sunday afternoon’s home league match against Genoa.

x