According to the reports from Tuttosport as cited by AS, Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle for Inter Milan’s striker Lautaro Martinez. Barcelona have agreed on personal terms with the Argentine, and they must now negotiate with Inter Milan to sign their prized asset. The likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United have also been linked with him.
Not too long ago, Daily Star had reported that Barcelona offered Inter Milan £65m plus Arturo Vidal and Nelson Semedo for Martinez. However, that approach was thwarted by the Serie A giants. The striker reportedly has his release clause set at £102m.
Football on the pitch might have halted due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, but teams seem to be planning and plotting in the transfer market. If the latest reports of Barcelona agreeing on a deal with Martinez are correct, then it is undoubtedly a massive step for the Catalan giants as the Argentine is one of the most sought after players in the transfer market.
A replacement for Suarez
Barcelona needs a striker as they need to replace an ageing Luis Suarez. The South American forward has gone down with a significant injury for which he had to go through a surgery on his right knee. He is set to be out for months, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to find his touch once he returns to football.
What are Martinez’s qualities?
Hence, it is understandable why the Blaugrana are keen on Martinez at the moment. The 22-year-old striker has everything to his game which a striker needs. He has impressive pace and dribbling skills. The striker also has that physical side to his game which will make it hard for defenders to shove him off the ball. Martinez usually works his socks off for his team upfront.
The Argentina international can either come up short to get the ball or make runs between the channels. Barcelona’s world-class forwards and playmakers would surely enjoy working with Martinez, who is always willing to make runs.
Inter Milan might be playing hardball at the moment, but there are not many players or teams who can resist an offer when Barcelona comes in calling. Being an Argentine, Martinez too might prefer to play alongside someone like Messi. It only seems a matter of time now before Barcelona gets their man.
