BARCELONA and Real Madrid are to take their rivalry to the transfer market with a duel to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez.
Reports suggest both the LaLiga giants consider the 22-year-old worth the £92million release clause stipulated in his contract.
Inter paid £19m for Martinez and could turn a huge profit on his saleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Although he was banned for the dramatic comeback win over AC Milan last weekend, Martinez has been a key part of the Nerazzurri’s rise to the top of Serie A.
A tally of 16 goals in 28 appearances includes a Champions League wonder goal against Barcelona and a winner past Borussia Dortmund.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Blaugrana chiefs met on Thursday to thrash out their transfer plans for the coming months.
Present were sporting director Eric Abidal, his assistant Ramon Planes, CEO Oscar Grau, and new coach Quique Setien.
Injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele have focused minds and Martinez was reportedly agreed as their main target for the summer.
That was with the aim of providing a long-term replacement for Suarez, 33.
But Madrid are also lurking with the intent and they too are reportedly happy to meet Martinez’s buy-out.
TyC Sports detail Los Blancos’ plan to offer a mega contract to the Argentine and beat Barcelona to the punch.
The Catalans are not only seeking a new addition in the summer though, with a short-term fix also eyed.
Thursday’s summit saw a number of players discussed for an out-of-window transfer, possible in LaLiga under certain circumstances.
It would require one of Dembele or Suarez, most likely the winger, to be deemed unfit to play for the rest of the season by the league’s medical commission and then officially deregistered from action.
Barcelona could then complete a signing from another Spanish team and enter them into their LaLiga squad.
Initial candidate Willian Jose is said to be off the table as he would take up the last of the club’s three non-EU slots allowed in their team.
Therefore Getafe star Angel, 32, appears to be the best placed for the switch with former Arsenal flop Lucas Perez and Real Betis’ Loren Moron considered as well.
A deal should cost north of £10m and awaits the medical commission’s green light – and is not thought to affect their summer bid for Martinez.
Barcelona looking to sign Getafe star Angel OUTSIDE of transfer window in desperate replacement for Dembele
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
