FC Barcelona explored a late-window move for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez in August, according to club sporting director Deco, before the Serie A side slammed the door on any potential transfer. The Blaugrana launched inquiries for the Argentina international after determining that a pursuit of Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid would not materialize. Barcelona executives had prioritized Álvarez throughout the summer market, but once that avenue closed, attention shifted briefly toward Martínez.
Late-window pursuit hits San Siro wall
Interests align but respect halts talks
Deco personally sounded out Martínez’s representatives to gauge interest before opening dialogue with Inter Milan. The forward was open to the prospect of moving to Camp Nou, sharing the same receptiveness he showed during a previous approach in 2021 when former technical secretary Ramon Planes attempted to broker a deal.
Martínez believed he could adapt to Barcelona’s tactical system and pursue immediate silverware under manager Hansi Flick. However, the Argentine placed one strict condition on the talks: any agreement had to be reached amicably with Inter Milan, an institution he deeply respects after arriving at San Siro in 2018.
Presidents slam the door shut
Those hopes dissolved quickly due to the stark reality of the Italian club’s roster planning. By late August, Inter Milan had completely finalized its squad for the season and possessed neither the necessity nor the desire to sell. Direct talks between Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed that Martínez was entirely intransferible. Inter refused to entertain bids so late in the window because replacing a franchise player of his caliber without an available replacement on the market was deemed impossible.
Roots in Milan and a locked contract
Martínez has established deep roots in Milan since his arrival. He signed a lucrative contract extension running through 2029 that secured a substantial salary increase and notably removed any fixed release clause that had featured in his previous deal. With the Italian club holding firm and pointing to their closed summer planning, the Blaugrana’s pursuit stalled before formal negotiations with the club could even begin.
Financial flexibility fuels a late pivot
Barcelona had structured internal financial flexibility to fund a major forward addition if player sales materialized. Yet, with the Martínez option dead and the Atlético Madrid door shut regarding Álvarez, the club pivoted toward an alternative market opportunity. Sport management rescued a standing file on Gabriel Jesús, whom intermediaries had offered under highly advantageous terms since the conclusion of the previous season. The Brazilian accepted a reduced wage package to ensure smooth league registration, providing an emergency reinforcement that closed Barcelona’s search for a center-forward and left winger Raphinha to occasionally feature centrally under Flick.
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