Lautaro Martínez Confirms Barcelona Bid After 17-Goal Scudetto Season

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has verified summer transfer interest from Barcelona following his 23-goal involvement in the recent Serie A campaign.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has verified that Barcelona pursued his signature during the most recent summer transfer window. The 29-year-old forward enters the new campaign following a dominant Scudetto-winning season where he recorded 17 goals and six assists across 30 league appearances. Despite the interest from the Spanish champions, the Argentinian international remains under contract with the Nerazzurri until June 2029.

Barcelona officials pivoted to Martínez after a primary transfer pursuit of Julián Álvarez failed to materialise. The Catalan club explored the Inter striker as a high-profile alternative to bolster their attacking options. Martínez, who secured a 2022 World Cup title and recently finished as a 2026 runner-up with Argentina, addressed the speculation during an interview with Sky Italia, stating that the circulating rumors regarding the LaLiga club were true.

Inter Captain Rejects Spanish Champions

Martínez arrived at the San Siro in the summer of 2018 following a transfer from the Argentinian side Racing. Now serving as the club's captain, he expressed immense satisfaction and honor regarding the call from Barcelona, noting that such interest serves as gratification for his yearly efforts to improve. However, he emphasized a desire to remain with his current teammates and the supporters in Milan rather than seeking a move to Spain.

"My mind is made up," Martínez told Sky Italia at 05:27 AM ET on September 3, 2026. He indicated a willingness to potentially spend the remainder of his professional career at Inter Milan, citing his happiness and comfort within the squad. The striker noted that while football is unpredictable, he intends to stay as long as the Italian club wants and needs his services.

Transfer Strategy Shifts at Barcelona

The pursuit of Martínez was part of a broader search for forwards by the Barcelona board. After the bid for Julián Álvarez was unsuccessful, the club also considered Gabriel Jesus as an option. Other internal discussions at the club involved Dani Olmo’s perspective on Atlético Madrid’s stance regarding Álvarez, and Anthony Gordon’s observations that LaLiga is less forgiving than the Premier League.

Martínez reiterated that his decision to stay was fueled by an eagerness to achieve further milestones with the Nerazzurri. Having contributed to 23 total goals in 30 matches during the previous league cycle, his retention is a significant development for the Italian side's roster stability. The forward described the interest from a club of Barcelona's stature as a significant thing, yet he maintained that his focus is entirely on his commitments in Milan.

Long-Term Commitment to the Nerazzurri

With a contract running for three more years until June 2029, Martínez has solidified his role as the centerpiece of the Inter project. He joined the club eight years ago and has transitioned from a young prospect from Racing into a World Cup winner and domestic champion. His 17-goal tally last season proved vital in securing the Scudetto, cementing his status as one of the most productive forwards in European football.

Martínez concluded his remarks by stating that he chose to stay once again because he feels well and remains motivated to do great things. The player acknowledged that calls from big clubs are always welcome, but his immediate priority is continuing his tenure at the San Siro. As of September 2026, the Argentinian star remains committed to the Nerazzurri project despite the formal interest shown by the Spanish giants during the summer window.