FC Barcelona have dramatically altered their late-window transfer strategy, designating Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez as their absolute priority signing.
Indeed, as reported by journalist Gerard Romero and confirmed by multiple other sources, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has now become the No. 1 priority for the Blaugrana.
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The sensational development comes after Barcelona received definitive confirmation that Atletico Madrid’s CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has completely vetoed the sale of Alvarez to Catalonia, as confirmed by journalist Victor Navarro.
The 26-year-old attacker had been the Catalans’ absolute priority and they had been persisting with their pursuit of the Argentine all through the summer despite Atletico Madrid’s firm stance.
However, after receiving yet another firm rejection, the La Liga champions have seemingly accepted that the deal is off.
Alvarez off, Martinez on. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
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With that avenue officially closed, the Blaugrana have decided to focus all remaining resources on securing the Inter talisman.
Deal difficult
Barcelona are under no illusions regarding the sheer complexity of the operation. Martinez is a monumental figure at the San Siro, having concluded a spectacular 2025/26 campaign where he led Inter Milan to yet another domestic trophy.
Consequently, prising the 28-year-old away from Italy will require an astronomical economic effort from a board still navigating tight financial constraints.
Despite these evident hurdles, Barça officials have reportedly been handed a massive boost following a clandestine meeting with Martinez’s representatives.
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During these discussions, the player’s camp reportedly left the door open to a potential move, indicating that if a marginal opportunity exists for the striker to exit Milan, Barcelona would be his undisputed destination of choice.
Following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres earlier this summer, Barcelona need an elite striker to lead their frontline.
The new priority. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
With younger additions like Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi needing time to settle, Martinez provides the immediate elite goalscoring pedigree Barcelona desperately lacks.
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The forward’s tactical intelligence, lethal finishing, and relentless pressing completely align with Flick’s aggressive, high-intensity philosophy.
With less than two weeks remaining before the transfer window slams shut across Europe, Barcelona are prepared to expend every ounce of effort to orchestrate what would undoubtedly be the blockbuster transfer of the summer.
Negotiating a feasible payment structure with a stubborn Inter Milan hierarchy remains an uphill battle, but the Blaugrana are entirely committed to launching an all-out offensive to grant Hansi Flick his primary attacking wish.
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