Lautaro Martinez finally breaks his silence on Barcelona links: ‘My only clear desire is…’ | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez has made his position clear on Barcelona links, with the Inter Milan captain confirming that he wants to remain at San Siro despite the summer transfer speculation linking him with a move to Catalonia.

It must be remembered that Barcelona explored alternatives after their pursuit of Julian Alvarez failed to materialise, and Lautaro emerged as one of the forwards considered by the club. 

The Argentine’s name featured prominently in reports during the transfer window, with claims that Barça had begun laying the groundwork for a possible deal.

Those reports suggested Barcelona sporting director Deco and Bojan Krkic had met Lautaro’s representative in Madrid and discussed the player’s potential contract. 

There was even speculation that personal terms had been agreed, leaving Barcelona needing to negotiate only with Inter should they decide to push ahead.

Barcelona were tracking Lautaro Martinez during the transfer window. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

But the biggest obstacle was never Lautaro himself. Inter had little appetite for losing their captain.

Inter Milan never wanted to sell Lautaro

Barcelona were believed to be considering an opening offer below €100 million. That scenario ultimately never developed.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta made the Italian club’s position unmistakable when asked about the possibility of Lautaro leaving.

“I can say explicitly that there are absolutely no conditions for him to leave Inter.”

That stance was important because, while Lautaro was clearly a player Barcelona had considered, Inter’s resistance meant any serious transfer would have required a major change in the Italian club’s position.

Lautaro Martinez ends Barcelona speculation

Inter Milan never wanted to sell Lautaro. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Now, it is Lautaro himself who has provided the clearest answer yet.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Inter forward admitted that the Barcelona links were flattering but insisted that his priority was never to force a move away from Milan.

“Barcelona links made me proud, but I want to stay here. My only clear desire is to stay at Inter.

“I love this club, I love these people, I love the fans. I will stay here as long as they want me,” he concluded.