INTER MILAN target Arturo Vidal could be on his way out of Barcelona with the Catalan side rumoured to be desperate to nab Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.
Vidal, 32, who’s a Chile teammate of Inter loan flop Alexis Sanchez, was initially rumoured to be heading for Barca’s exit in January.
Arturo Vidal, with Chile teammate Alexis Sanchez, could be on his way to Inter Milan from Barcelona this summerCredit: Reuters
However injury issues at the Nou Camp put the brakes on the departure of the midfielder who has one year left on his contract.
Barcelona are reported to be eager to sign Inter star forward Martinez who’s also on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs including Manchester City.
The Argentinian, who’s scored 17 goals in 28 Serie A and Champions League games this season, is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war.
And SunSport says Pep Guardiola’s old club appear to be ahead of City, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the race to buy the player.
On the chance of a move, Martinez’s representative Sergio Zarate told Spanish outlet Sport:”There’s a very big possibility.
Chelsea and Man City Lautaro Martinez is at the centre of a transfer tug of war involving Europe’s biggest clubs.Credit: Getty – Contributor
“He’s a great player. A tremendous player, this kid doesn’t have a ceiling.
“It’s the player who decides. Lionel Messi is there, I think he has a bit more chance of wanting to move beside the best (player) of all.
“Inter can want whatever they want, but the market rules. As always, when European giants want a player, they go with everything. Now what is important is not the shirt.”
Sport claim Inter are unwilling to see Martinez offered as part of any Barca deal to sell Vidal to them.
The Argentina international is believed to have a whopping £96.7million release clause which the Serie A side are reluctant drop.
The Italians are reported to be ready to offer a three-season deal to Vidal, but want Barcelona to lower their £17.4million asking price.
Inter’s current boss Antonio Conte, is said to have a warm relationship with the Chile international which dates back to the time they worked together at Juventus.
The former Chelsea coach, who’s Milan side are currently third in Italy’s top division, believes Vidal could be a good influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Discussions between Conte’s club and Barcelona are thought to be ongoing.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
