Sources: Inter Milan captain dreams of playing for Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona’s long-term planning in attack is beginning to take shape, and a new report from Fichajes suggests that Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has emerged as a name firmly aligned with the club’s future vision. 

According to the report, the Argentine forward harbours a long-standing personal ambition to one day wear the Barcelona shirt, a dream he is now actively working towards fulfilling.

As such, the move is not expected to be immediate, but the summer of 2026 has been identified as the ideal window to make progress. 

Within Barcelona, that timing is seen as strategic as the club is already preparing for a major transition up front, with Robert Lewandowski’s departure increasingly viewed as a matter of when, not if. 

Replacing his output and influence will be one of the most delicate tasks facing the sporting department.

A perfect fit?

In that context, Lautaro’s profile stands out. Barcelona are keen to bring in a striker who offers guarantees from day one, particularly someone with experience at the highest European level. 

Barcelona are interested in Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Argentine ticks those boxes comfortably. Beyond numbers, he is a forward accustomed to responsibility, having captained Inter through demanding campaigns.

Those close to the player reportedly believe Barcelona would represent his preferred destination should he leave Italy. 

What about Inter?

Inter Milan, for their part, are realistic about the situation. While Lautaro remains a central figure, there is an understanding that holding onto a captain who is mentally preparing for a new challenge can create complications over time. 

As a result, a sale is not being ruled out if the right conditions are met. 

Barcelona, aware of their own financial constraints, are counting on the player’s motivation to help shape a more favourable deal.

From Barcelona’s perspective, securing a striker of Lautaro’s calibre at the right moment could soften the impact of Lewandowski’s exit and inject immediate credibility into a squad still in the midst of a rebuild.