Transfer Centre

Lautaro Martinez puts an end to Barcelona transfer talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 27 February 2021

Lautaro Martinez, who was strongly linked with Barcelona last summer, says that he is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with Inter Milan.

Lautaro Martinez has revealed that he is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with Inter Milan.

The 23-year-old was strongly linked with Barcelona during last summer's transfer window as the Catalan giants looked for a replacement for Luis Suarez.

Martinez has revealed that he was "in negotiations" with Ronald Koeman's side last year but has now ended the speculation surrounding a potential switch to Camp Nou by committing his future to Inter.

"It's true, I was in negotiations with Barcelona," Martinez told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I was clear with [Antonio] Conte, I told him: 'I am only thinking about Inter, this is not going to affect me'. However, it all belongs in the past. I am going to sign a contract extension with Inter.

"I don't know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile, I play. My future is here, I see myself in Milan for a long time. I like everything about this city. The food, the fans, the team. I only have positive feelings."

The Argentina international has been in impressive form for Conte's side during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 15 times and registering seven assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.