Inter Milan want Man City target Martinez to do one thing before Barcelona transfer
Inter Milan want striker Lautaro Martinez to request a move away from the San Siro this summer before they let him leave, according to reports. Barcelona are leading the way to sign the Argentine forward, but Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen.
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Martinez on the cheap have taken a hit.
The Catalans had been hoping to agree a deal with Inter to sign him for below his release clause, with the potential of adding in players to exchange.
However, Inter’s owners have now stepped in and thrown a spanner in the works.
Spanish outlet SPORT claims Inter’s owners, Chinese company ‘Suning’, have decided they will only let their star man leave for below his release clause if he requests a transfer.
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Martinez’s release clause currently stands at £97.5million, though it has been claimed that will only be active for the first few weeks of the upcoming window.
Barca originally wanted to pay less for the 22-year-old, and were exploring the possibility of exchanging players to sweeten the pot.
Martinez is believed to be determined to join the Nou Camp side next season instead of either City or Chelsea, and part of the reason is Lionel Messi.
The two play together for Argentina, and the striker is reportedly dreaming of becoming the La Liga leaders’ new centre-forward.
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Martinez’s agent, Sergio Zarate, admitted over the weekend that the youngster would more than likely jon Barcelona.
“There’s a very big possibility,” he replied when he was asked about Martinez’s chances of joining the Catalan side.
“He’s a great player. A tremendous player, this kid doesn’t have a ceiling.
“Those who they who rule, but it’s the player who decides.
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“Leo [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’s important is not the shirt.”
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