Barcelona’s Lautaro Martinez transfer turns messy after claims bitter rivals Real Madrid have launched a bid

BARCELONA are refusing to give up on Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, but accept that a deal is now ‘extremely complicated’.

Ronald Koeman’s side have been chasing the Argentine striker for months, hoping to see him link up with compatriot Lionel Messi.

Martinez could stay at Inter if Barcelona fail to match their asking priceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Lautaro Martinez has been making headlines in Spain

But in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, finances are difficult at the Catalan club.

And Inter are refusing to budge on their £83million valuation.

Reports in Italy have even suggested that Real Madrid have entered the race, further complicating matters for their bitter rivals.

But Spanish newspaper Sport deny that there has been such a move from Madrid – and that “interest” could have been leaked in order to force Barcelona into upping their offer.

For now he remains at Inter, with his agent commenting over the weekend: “At the moment, Lautaro isn’t moving from Inter, he is here.”

It’s believed that Martinez, 23, is eager to sign for Barcelona – despite also attracting interest from Manchester City in the Premier League.

But first, Barca must ship off some of their unwanted, high-earning stars.

One man that does seem likely to cross between Barcelona and Inter this summer is midfielder Arturo Vidal, with Antonio Conte expecting to be reunited with his former star.

Arturo Vidal could leave Barcelona for Inter MilanCredit: Reuters

The striker that Martinez would likely replace in Luis Suarez, however, appears to see his future hanging in the balance.

The 33-year-old was told in so uncertain terms by Koeman to find a new club.

Suarez has been linked with a move to Juventus, although AS believe that he is locked in talks with Atletico Madrid over a LaLiga switch.

And Sport claim that should Suarez fail to secure a move elsewhere, that he could be sidelined by Barcelona for the entirety of the final year of his contract.

Luis Suarez has been told to leave BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk