Barcelona weigh Victor Osimhen option while Inter keep Lautaro Martinez

Barcelona are considering a move for Victor Osimhen as they continue to search for a centre-forward, with Inter Milan insisting captain Lautaro Martinez will remain at the club for the new season.

The Italian side have made clear they do not intend to allow Martinez to leave during the current transfer window, despite growing interest from Barcelona in the Argentina international. Inter’s position leaves the Catalan club facing a difficult task if they decide to pursue a deal for the striker.

Barcelona had identified Martinez as one of their leading alternatives after their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez stalled. The Argentina forward remains keen on a move to Barcelona, but Atletico de Madrid continue to reject the prospect of selling him.

With Atletico de Madrid maintaining their resistance to an Alvarez transfer and Inter Milan refusing to consider Martinez’s departure, Barcelona are assessing other possibilities before the transfer window closes.

According to TEAMtalk, Osimhen has emerged as another option under consideration by the club in the final days of the market. The Nigeria striker currently plays for Galatasaray and is said to be firmly on the radar of Barcelona sporting director Deco.

Osimhen was already among the names discussed by Barcelona throughout the summer as a possible alternative to Alvarez. The striker could now become a more realistic avenue if Barcelona are unable to reach an agreement for their preferred Argentina target.

The 27-year-old’s situation is also being monitored by other clubs, including Arsenal, meaning Barcelona could face competition if they decide to make an approach. The London club’s interest adds another factor to a deal that would need to be explored quickly as the transfer window enters its final stages.

Deco is continuing to work on several possible scenarios to strengthen Barcelona’s centre-forward position. The club’s plans have been complicated by Atletico de Madrid’s refusal to negotiate over Alvarez and Inter Milan’s determination to retain Martinez, leaving Osimhen as a name that could gain greater importance in the closing days of the window.

Martinez remains Inter Milan’s captain, and the club’s public stance suggests Barcelona would find it extremely difficult to secure his services this summer. That has prompted the Spanish side to keep alternative targets under consideration rather than rely solely on a deal for either Martinez or Alvarez.

Osimhen’s presence at Galatasaray and interest from Arsenal mean any potential Barcelona move would require the club to act decisively. For now, however, Barcelona are still weighing their options while Deco continues to examine different solutions for the striker role.

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