Barcelona tested Inter’s resolve over captain Lautaro, says Marotta

Barcelona made an enquiry about signing Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez during the summer transfer window, according to the Italian club’s president Giuseppe Marotta.

Marotta said Inter and Martinez had given a firm response by choosing to continue their partnership, describing the Argentina international as central to the club’s present and future.

“The reports that Barcelona asked about Lautaro are true, but the response from both us and the player was decisive: to continue together,” Marotta told Italian broadcaster DAZN. “Lautaro is the captain and embodies Inter’s present and future. We hope this understanding continues for a long time.”

Marotta was speaking before Inter’s meeting with Napoli at San Siro, where he also insisted the battle for this season’s Serie A title would involve considerably more than the two clubs facing one another.

“The competition will not be only between Inter and Napoli, but also includes Roma, Juventus and other clubs I do not want to forget, including Como, who are an important and special surprise,” he said, according to Football Italia.

“That is why the identity of the champions is by no means decided.”

The comments come during a period of administrative change at the Lombardy club. Sporting director Piero Ausilio left Inter unexpectedly after many years with the club, while the team has enjoyed greater technical stability than it did during the previous summer.

Inter were crowned Italian champions last season and have continued their work under manager Cristian Chivu. Marotta warned, however, that past success would not make the challenge of defending their position any easier.

“Winning trophies consecutively helps you to keep winning, but maintaining that level is the greatest challenge,” he said. “We have achieved nothing yet this season, and if we want to write history, we must find additional motivation.

“We are the team everyone wants to knock off the top, which makes every match more difficult.”

Marotta was also asked about contract discussions involving Inter players, following the recent extension signed by young striker Francesco Pio Esposito and comments made by Federico Dimarco.

“We have great respect for all our players, and we will soon meet with their agents to discuss their ambitions,” he said. “There is a strong sense of belonging to the Inter shirt, and together we will assess how to continue this relationship.”

Martinez remains a key figure in Inter’s squad and wears the captain’s armband. His importance to the club was underlined by Marotta’s comments after Barcelona explored whether a deal could be possible during the summer.

The president did not provide further details about the Catalan club’s enquiry, but made clear that neither Inter nor Martinez wanted to pursue a separation.

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