Lautaro Martinez’s potential move to Barcelona is reportedly entering a significant phase, as the Catalan club is set to make its initial bid for the Inter Milan captain. Sources indicate that Barcelona’s interest in the Argentine striker is genuine, with the club believing there is a realistic chance of engaging in negotiations with Inter Milan.

According to El Chiringuito TV, Barcelona is preparing an initial proposal amounting to less than €100 million, believing that an agreement could be reached for an under-market deal.

After facing complications in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, Barcelona has redirected its attention to Lautaro Martinez as a viable option for strengthening their attacking lineup.

Barcelona Increases Focus on Lautaro Martinez

Barcelona has been exploring the signing of Lautaro for a while, particularly after their hopes of securing Julian Alvarez dwindled.

Lautaro has now emerged as a preferred option in Barcelona’s search for attacking reinforcements, bolstered by previous meetings and conversations regarding his potential move.

Barcelona is now preparing to make an offer for Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s management has shown interest in Lautaro’s situation and expressed support for his potential signing within the hierarchy of the club. Notably, coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are both advocates for the forward. Although Barcelona has other players on their radar, the club considers Lautaro to be a prime target.

This backing from the management may prompt further actions, with Barcelona eager to finalize their proposal and initiate dialogue with Inter Milan.

There is increased optimism that discussions could gain traction in the coming week, despite challenges that might arise in reaching an agreement.

Lautaro Martinez’s Importance at Inter

Inter Milan remains reluctant to part ways with Lautaro Martinez, given his status as club captain and his critical role within the team. He has been a vital part of Inter since arriving from Racing de Avellaneda and is entering his ninth season with the club. Lautaro holds a contract with Inter until 2029, which grants the club leverage in any transfer negotiations.

Additionally, his family is settled in Milan, and he enjoys a lucrative salary, making it less likely that Inter would seek his departure. Barcelona, therefore, faces the challenge of persuading both the club and the player that a transition is the right path forward.

Lautaro Martinez’s links with Barcelona could be heading towards an important new stage, with the Catalan club reportedly preparing its first offer for the Inter Milan captain.

Barcelona’s interest in the Argentine striker is said to be genuine, and the club now believe there is a realistic chance of opening negotiations with Inter. 

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As such, according to El Chiringuito TV, the Blaugrana are working on an initial proposal worth less than €100 million and feel a deal could potentially be completed below that figure.

After seeing a move for Julian Alvarez become increasingly difficult, Barcelona appear to have shifted their focus towards the Inter forward.

Barcelona’s interest in Lautaro Martinez is growing

Barcelona have been exploring the possibility of signing Lautaro for some time, particularly as their hopes of bringing Julian Alvarez to the club began to fade.

The Argentine has therefore emerged as a serious option in the club’s search for attacking reinforcements. 

Barcelona are preparing their first offer for Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

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As reported before, there have already been meetings and contacts regarding the player’s situation, while Barcelona are encouraged by their relationship with Lautaro and those close to him.

Furthermore, the Lautaro Martinez transfer is also understood to have support within the Barcelona hierarchy.

Hansi Flick is said to be a fan of the Inter captain, while sporting director Deco also views him positively. 

Sure, Barcelona do have other names on their shortlist, but the report suggests that Lautaro has become the preferred option for Flick’s side.

That backing could now lead to concrete action, with Barcelona preparing their first proposal, believing that Inter Milan may be willing to sit down and discuss.

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There is growing confidence that the situation could progress significantly next week, although an agreement remains far from straightforward.

Lautaro is an important figure at Inter

Inter Milan are reluctant to sell Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

For now, Barcelona do not intend to begin negotiations with an offer worth €100 million or more.

Instead, the club is preparing an opening bid below that figure and believes Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona could be possible for less than €100 million if negotiations develop in the right direction.

The key question is whether Inter Milan share that view, as he is the club captain and one of the most important figures in the dressing room, having spent almost a decade with the Nerazzurri.

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The 28-year-old arrived from Racing de Avellaneda as a teenager and is now preparing for his ninth season at the club. He also remains under contract with Inter until 2029, giving Inter a strong position in any potential transfer.

The striker also earns a very good salary in Milan, while his family is settled and comfortable in Italy. 

There is therefore no obvious reason for Inter to actively seek his departure, which means Barcelona would still need to convince both the club and the player that a move is the right step.