Inter Milan’s CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, does not rule out Lautaro Martínez’ departure, but says a top player would be his replacement.
Lautaro Martínez has been a hot topic in the past few months, as a result of his impressive performances for Italian side Inter Milan.
The player signed with the Italians after leaving Racing Club in his native Argentina back in 2018, and has since put out a show, leaving the Nerazzurri fans in awe time and time again.
And now, the time seems right for the 22-year-old forward to move on, with Barcelona interested, as admitted to by his entourage.
However, the Italian club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, recently attempted to discourage Barcelona’s idea of including players as part of the deal, as the pandemic has affected many clubs financially.
“In fact, as far as [Lautaro] Martínez is concerned, there is only one way that he can leave Inter, and that is [through] the payment of a [release] clause,” Piero Ausilio said.
And now, the club’s CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, has opened up about the potential transfer of Lautaro to Barça.
“We want to strengthen the structure of the team, in which there are several important players. Certainly, Lautaro is one of these [players]. He is still very young, and went from being a promised talent to becoming a champion, thanks to the work of [Antonio] Conte, the club, and the player himself, who has shown that he possesses great footballing, as well as professional qualities,” Marotta told Sky.
Inter’s CEO then went on to talk about Inter’s stance on the situation, saying they would prefer him staying, although they do not rule out a departure given the interest he has garnered.
“Inter do not want to sell, but to buy [players], as the big clubs do, and we want to follow this line [of transfer market work]. But there is a clause that runs out on July 7. First, we will see what Barcelona want to do, and then we will sit around the table with the player [Martínez], and we will see what we do,” he added.
Marotta does not rule out the player leaving, but is adamant on finding a replacement in case the Argentine goes to the Camp Nou. However, he wants the player wants to remain focused on doing his job with Inter.
“Now it is important that he remains focused on making his contribution [for Inter] and help us in coming away with the satisfaction we deserve. In any case, if he leaves, a top player will arrive, a heavyweight player,” Marotta added.
Martínez’ contract with Inter runs out in 2023.
