Barcelona have a Plan B for the summer transfer window if they fail to sign Erling Haaland with the Catalan club tracking Lautaro Martinez. Martinez, who currently plays for Inter Milan, has been at the Italian club since 2018.
As per Sport, Barcelona understand the complexities in signing Haaland, due to the high price tag that Borussia Dortmund have attached to the Norwegian along with the various demands apparently made by the player’s entourage. Lautaro Martinez is seen as an alternative to Haaland, who would come much cheaper than the 20-year-old. Barca were reportedly interested in signing Martinez last summer, but that deal did not materialize.
The Argentine is rumoured to be keen on joining the Catalan side, especially if his countryman Lionel Messi decides to stay at the club. Martinez would cost less than the €111 million that Inter wanted, which was his release clause until last July.
Lautaro Martinez: Is he the right man for the job?
Barcelona need to refresh their side before the start of the next season, in order to compete for top honours in the Spanish league and Europe. It’s quite clear from the various rumours floating around that signing a striker is a top priority for coach Ronald Koeman.
The club have been linked with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay, apart from Haaland and Martinez over the last few months.
Martinez has scored 46 times and provided 18 assists in 122 appearances for Inter in all competitions since joining the club in 2018. The numbers aren’t anywhere near Haaland’s incredible goalscoring record in Europe, but Barca may have to settle for Martinez due to the huge price tag stamped on Haaland as well as the number of clubs interested in signing him.
Martinez could turn out to be a good addition to the Barcelona squad as he has great potential to become an all-round forward. He is quick, tenacious and can link up play well, and is also a hard-working player. The Argentine has loads of energy and can defend from the front, which could help Barca become a high-pressing side again. While his goalscoring may not be as impressive, he could get more chances playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and co.
Lautaro Martinez could be a good signing for Barca as he has shown in Inter colours that he has what it takes to deliver in Europe and play for one of the giants of Europe.
