Laporta reveals Barcelona tried 'in every way' to sign Lautaro Martínez | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that he tried "in every way" to bring Lautaro Martínez to the club in August, only to be turned down flat by Inter.

Laporta made the admission in an interview withCorriere, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano. He confirmed he went as far as calling Inter president Marotta himself during the summer window.

"I’ve tried in every way to get Lautaro Martínez in August," Laporta said.

He’s an excellent striker, we wanted him at Barça. I personally called Inter president Marotta and he immediately stopped me: no chance. He was not for sale and I respect Inter stance."

Martinez emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona late in the window, as the Spanish champions sought a centre-forward signing.

The exits of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left Barcelona short at number nine, with the Catalans frustrated in a pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Atletico's insistence that Alvarez was not for sale saw Barcelona pivot to Martinez, who wasSerie A's leading scorer for a second time last season, as Inter won the Scudetto.

Laporta confirmed that Lautaro was a genuine target for Barcelona during the summer, and that the approach never got past a single phone call between the two presidents. Inter's stance, as Laporta describes it, left no room for an offer.

Barcelona ultimately pursued a deal for Gabriel Jesus and signed the experienced forward from Arsenal for around £8.5m. Raphinha has also since flourished as in an unfamiliar centre-forward position for Barcelona this season.

Martinez opened up on his future earlier in the summer and said he was proud of reported interest fromLa Liga, but that he'd be prepared to remain at the San Siro 'forever'.

The 29-year-old has scored 179 goals in 381 games for the Italian champions in all competitions, and is third for all-time Inter goals.