Barcelona ‘very close’ to Lautaro Martinez transfer with £56.9m PLUS two players in swap deal with Inter near completion
BARCELONA are reportedly “very close” to agreeing terms with Inter Milan over the transfer of striker Lautaro Martinez.
Speculation has mounted over the past few months that the Catalan giants have been mounting a move for the 22-year-old striker.
The Spanish news outlet states Barcelona are willing to pay £56.9million for the Argentinian hotshot plus throw in two unnamed players in part-exchange.
Martinez, who has a £94m release clause in his Inter contract, appears to have his heart set on joining fellow countryman Lionel Messi at the La Liga side.
And Inter have also been linked with an interest in several Barcelona players, with duo Nelson Semedo and Carles Alena the latest to be linked with the San Siro.
Arturo Vidal is another name that has been mentioned in various reports as part of a player-exchange, with Inter previously believed to be unwilling to budge from their £94m valuation.
However, it is now believed they are willing to do business due to the prospect of getting two players in return.
Real Madrid were previously battling it out with their great rivals for the forward, but now it looks like Barca are leading the chase as they look to find a long-term successor for the ageing Luis Suarez.
Martinez has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Inter this season and shone in the Champions League as he found the net five times in six matches.
He joined Inter in 2018 from Racing Club and has quickly established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.
His current deal in Italy expires in June 2023.