Report: Lautaro Martinez is once again on the radar for Barcelona

It seems that Barcelona’s desperate call for a striker has left them running in circles as Gerard Romero reports that the name of Lautaro Martinez has been considered yet again. Previously linked with Barça for nearly a year, the Argentine failed to complete a move to the Catalan capital courtesy of a lack of funds.

However, after the deal fell through, it looked like Lautaro would sign a contract extension with Inter, while Barcelona focused on the likes of Erling Haaland, Memphis Depay, and even Sergio Aguero. Haaland is, without question, the priority for the Blaugranas, but comes with a heavy price tag – one the club may not be able to afford this summer.

Lautaro finished last season with 14 goals and three assists in 35 appearances, and has already matched that tally this season in 27 games. Additionally, the 23-year-old has already clocked in five assists, and averages more than one chance created per game. Alongside Romelu Lukaku, he forms one of the most deadly attacking partnerships across Europe, combining for 34 goals and 13 assists.

The two are spearheading the Milan outfit’s charge for the Serie A this season, currently sitting six points clear of AC Milan and ten clear of Juventus. With just 11 gameweeks left for Inter, the title is pretty much in the bag, which might give incentive for Lautaro and even Lukaku to stay. Alternatively, it good even act as the catalyst to their departure as they could look to graze fresher pastures.

If Inter decide to stick to their €120 million evaluation of Lautaro, it will become unfeasible for Barça. But given their heavy spending in the recent seasons, coupled with early exits from the UEFA Champions League, they might have to settle for a discounted option. Either way, though, signing Lautaro sounds like poor planning when Erling Haaland could be available for as much as €75 million in 2022, or when Sergio Aguero will be a free-agent this June itself.