Dimarco and Balde swap claims dismissed as Romano gives Barcelona-Inter verdict

Fabrizio Romano has rejected reports suggesting Barcelona and Inter Milan could complete a player-exchange deal during the final hours of the summer transfer window.

The speculation centred on a possible move for Inter defender Federico Dimarco to Barcelona, with the Catalan club’s left-back Alejandro Balde reportedly heading in the opposite direction.

However, transfer expert Romano said there was no possibility of the two clubs reaching an agreement, while also dismissing renewed suggestions that Barcelona could sign Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.

“Many questions have been raised tonight about the possibility of swap deals between Inter and Barcelona. We have also received many questions about Barcelona signing Lautaro Martinez,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“There have been many developments involving Inter and Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but the two clubs will not make any deal. Forget about it completely. There is no chance, no possibility… That is also the situation regarding Lautaro Martinez’s departure.”

Romano’s comments came after reports claimed that Dimarco could be used in a direct exchange for Balde before the transfer window closed.

Balde’s position at Barcelona had also become a topic of discussion after manager Hansi Flick indicated that the Spain international could find it difficult to secure a prominent role in the team.

Despite that, Romano said the latest rumours did not reflect any genuine negotiations between the clubs.

“There was also talk about Alessandro Bastoni moving to Barcelona this summer, but Hansi Flick decided not to proceed with a deal for Bastoni, and the same applies to Cristian Romero,” he added.

The comments rule out a series of reported defensive targets for Barcelona, with Bastoni and Romero both linked with a move to the club alongside Dimarco.

Romano concluded by insisting that the latest reports had not changed the situation between Barcelona and Inter.

“New rumours between Barcelona and Inter appeared tonight, but forget the idea of any deal taking place between the two clubs this summer… Nothing happened and nothing will happen.”

The claims emerged during the final stages of the summer market, when speculation often intensifies around potential late transfers and swap arrangements.

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