Lautaro Martinez opens up on Barcelona approach as Inter future secured

Lautaro Martinez has confirmed that Barcelona genuinely explored the possibility of signing him during the final days of the transfer window, but says remaining at Inter was his preferred option.

The Argentina striker addressed the speculation publicly for the first time while attending the Calcio Gala in Italy. He said the reports linking him with Barcelona were accurate, although he made clear that his priority was to continue playing for Inter alongside his team-mates and supporters.

“Receiving such offers is always a source of pride, because I am constantly working to remain at the highest level of football. The reports were true,” Martinez told Sky Italia, in comments reported by Catalan newspaper Sport.

Barcelona’s interest in Martinez emerged after Atletico de Madrid maintained its refusal to allow Julian Alvarez to leave for the Catalan club. Barcelona had been keen on the Argentina forward, while Alvarez was also determined to find a route that would allow the move to be completed.

As the prospect of signing Alvarez became more complicated, Martinez was identified as one of Barcelona’s possible alternatives to strengthen their attack. Inter, however, denied receiving a formal offer from Barcelona and closed the door on negotiations over the sale of their forward.

Martinez, who is Inter captain, insisted that he had always wanted to stay at the club and that his position had not changed despite the interest from Barcelona.

“I have always said that I want to stay at Inter, alongside my team-mates and our fans. As long as they want me, I will remain at this club,” he added.

The 29-year-old’s contract with Inter runs until 2029. He has also acknowledged that football can change quickly, leaving open the possibility that circumstances may be different in the future, but again emphasised his commitment to the Nerazzurri.

“We all know that in the world of football, when you are no longer useful, they ask you to leave. Playing for Inter is a source of pride for me, and I am happy here. I want to stay, continue improving every day and compete for the biggest trophies with Inter,” Martinez said.

Barcelona eventually signed Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal to lead their attack for the current season.

The transfer speculation surrounding Martinez intensified in the closing stages of the window because of Barcelona’s difficulty in pursuing Alvarez. Atletico stood firm over the future of its striker, despite Barcelona’s interest and Alvarez’s reported desire to secure a move.

That situation led to Martinez being discussed as a possible solution, even as Inter publicly rejected the prospect of selling him. His latest comments have now confirmed that Barcelona’s interest was real, while also underlining that the Inter captain chose continuity at San Siro and remains focused on developing and competing for major honours with the Italian club.