Primera Division

Barcelona and Real Madrid left disappointed as Martinez set to stay at Inter

The Argentine has been linked with a big-money move away from San Siro this summer but his agent has confirmed he is staying put

 
12:06pm on Tuesday 15th September 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Lautaro Martinez will not be joining Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer and will stay at Inter for the 2020/21 campaign, according to the player's agent.

The Argentine has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe over the past 12 months due to his exploits with Inter, scoring 21 goals in all competitions for the Nerazzurri.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit clubs hard financially, he was believed to be Barcelona's number one transfer target for the summer, with Lionel Messi reportedly keen to link up with his compatriot at the Camp Nou.

However, plans have changed in Catalunya as after the devastating exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern, head coach Quique Setien was fired to be replaced by Ronald Koeman.

READ MORE:

Lampard: Chelsea have aspirations of competing with Liverpool

Barcelona agree fee with Lyon for Memphis

Does home advantage still matter with no fans in stadiums?

Odegaard excluded from first Madrid squad of the season

Neymar admits he acted like a 'fool' but reiterates racism claims

Although Martinez remains a long-term target for the Blaugrana, Koeman has prioritised the signings of Memphis Depay from Lyon and Gini Wijnaldum of Liverpool - two players with whom he worked closely alongside with the Dutch national team.

Rumours then circulated that Real Madrid had entered the race for his signature, with a potential bid being accepted over the weekend.

But, agent Carlos Beto Yaque says there is no agreement and has never been an agreement with either Clasico outfit.

"It was just a courtesy visit, that is all," he told Tuttomercatoweb after he was spotted entering Inter offices this weekend.

"There is nothing with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Lautaro is staying here at Inter."

Barca were previously in the running for Martinez after Lionel Messi announced his intentions to leave the club this summer. The subsequent windfall from that sale would have allowed for spending on Martinez, but after Messi announced he was staying the plans were scrapped.

Latest news

Sheffield United vs Fulham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Sheffield Utd and Fulham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 12 hours

Chelsea vs Burnley Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Chelsea and Burnley on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 13 hours

Newcastle vs West Ham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Newcastle and West Ham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 14 hours

Lille vs Lens Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Ligue 1 tie between Lille and Lens on Friday, March 29th 2024 from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

  • 16 hours

Cadiz vs Granada Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the La Liga Primera clash between Cadiz and Granada on Friday, March 29th 2024 from Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.

  • 16 hours

Barnsley vs Cambridge United Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the EFL League One game between Barnsley and Cambridge United on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 17 hours

Most read