According to a recent report from Sport, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has his release clause set at €111m. However, Barcelona are unwilling to pay that amount and instead they will try to offer up two or three players in exchange as well as cash. The report adds that Inter aren’t interested in a swap deal. A swap deal will only interest Inter if they believe that the incoming player is really needed at the club.
The report further suggests that Inter have asked Martinez to stay on for another year and his release clause would still be the same next year. Inter believe that it would be better to sell Martinez when the market has had a chance to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barcelona clearly wants a move for the forward, and so does Martinez. However, Inter are not budging on their demands. It remains to be seen now whether the Catalan giants would go all out to sign the Argentine forward by paying his release clause.
Why Barcelona need a new striker?
Barcelona requires a new striker as Luis Suarez is 33. The Uruguayan might be able to produce some magic here and there, but he hasn’t been as consistent as before. The striker is also out with a lengthy injury at the moment, and it remains to be seen how he would perform after that setback. Martin Braithwaite is the other alternative at Barcelona, but he is always going to be a makeshift option and not a long term solution.
Should Barcelona pay Martinez’s release clause?
The Argentine forward is one of the hottest properties in world football right now. Martinez is still 22, so his market value could increase further if he continues to improve. His performance for Milan have been impressive, and he even bagged a goal against Barcelona in the Champions League group stage this campaign. Martinez has 16 goals and four assists for the Serie A side this season.
The forward is known for his energy, tenacity and ability to make runs between the channels. Martinez also has that physical side to his game, and he can carry the ball forward well. He is also seen as a good finisher, and he can improve further in a few years.
There is no doubt that to us that he would be a good signing for Barcelona. With clubs like Manchester City also interested in him, Barcelona should look to pay Martinez’s release clause; otherwise, they run the risk of losing out on him.
