Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed he personally tried to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, but was told immediately that the Argentina international was not available for transfer.
Barcelona were searching for a new attacking leader after the departure of legendary striker Robert Lewandowski over the summer. The Spanish club were linked with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez before completing a deal for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus for £8.6m.
Jesus has scored twice in four appearances since joining Barcelona, including in the Champions League during a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord.
However, Laporta says the club had also explored a move for Martinez, who has remained with Inter despite Barcelona’s long-standing interest.
“One day I called Marotta,” Laporta told Corriere della Sera, referring to Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta. “It was he and I on the call, no intermediaries, and I told him I would have loved to have Lautaro on my team because I admire the guy so much.
“But Marotta didn't even let me finish speaking. He made it clear Lautaro wasn't for sale and that it wouldn't be up to the player to decide whether or not to move. So I stopped the whole line of thought. There was no way to take it any further.”
The conversation ended Barcelona’s attempt to pursue the striker on that occasion, with Marotta making clear that Inter had no intention of considering his departure.
Martinez was also a Barcelona target in 2020, when the club were seeking a replacement for Luis Suarez. The interest underlines how highly Barcelona have regarded the forward over an extended period.
Now 29, Martinez has continued his career at Inter and remains loyal to the Italian club. He has won three Scudettos and three Coppa Italia trophies with them, while also helping Inter reach two Champions League finals.
The striker is pursuing further success this season, with Inter joint top of the Serie A table.