LUIS SUAREZ has urged Lautaro Martinez to join Barcelona – even though his own place could be at risk.
Suarez, 33, is Barcelona’s third-highest goalscorer of all time after bagging his 194th strike earlier this month.
Luis Suarez claims Lautaro Martinez would be welcome at BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor
However, the Uruguayan has been tipped to leave following Barca’s meek surrender of LaLiga to Real Madrid.
It’s reckoned the Catalan giants are preparing for a huge clear out this summer, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele also at risk.
And Inter Milan star Martinez, 22, is just one big name being linked with a Nou Camp switch.
Should the Argentine international move to Catalonia, he would likely replace Suarez as Barcelona’s new No9.
Martinez’s arrival could end Suarez’s Nou Camp careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
However, former Liverpool star Suarez – who has spent six years at Barca – says Martinez is more than welcome and would be a great fit.
Suarez told Sport: “He is a great player, he’s been playing at a great level for Inter.
“It’s not easy to arrive in Italy from Argentine and show everything that he’s shown in a league as complicated as the Italian one.
“He’s young and if he comes to Barca we will try and help him to adapt and help him feel comfortable.”
Unfortunately for Barcelona, Martinez is also attracting interest from Manchester City.
Like the Spaniards, they too have lost their title and are looking to spend big.
Pep Guardiola believes Martinez, who has 18 goals in all competitions this term, can be Sergio Aguero’s long-term successor at the Etihad.
And should Barcelona miss out to City’s riches, they could make a move for Arsenal contract rebel Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang instead.
ESPN FC discuss Antoine Griezmann’s Barcelona future
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
