LAUTARO MARTINEZ is set to snub Manchester United, City and Paris Saint-Germain – as he only has eyes for Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.
The Inter Milan star, 22, is seemingly on the radar of every top club in Europe – but the Argentine can only see himself at the Nou Camp, say Mundo Deportivo.
Martinez has been tipped with a move to Barca all season – with Inter holding out for his full transfer release fee.
Between July 1 and 15, the Argentine’s clause will be at its lowest, but still worth a staggering £97m.
Despite that, Barcelona are confident in signing Martinez, provided they can offload some deadwood in the squad – including Chelsea target Philippe Coutinho – to raise funds.
Earlier reports had claimed Barcelona could propose a players-plus-cash deal for Martinez, with Carles Alena and Nelson Semedo heading to the San Siro.
And compatriot Lionel Messi has all-but endorsed the move by piling praise on “complete forward” Martinez.
‘IMPRESSIVE’
Messi said: “I think I already mentioned it, that Lautaro is an impressive striker, especially because I think he is a very complete forward.
“He is strong, he dribbles well, he scores goals, he knows how to protect the ball…
“But well, we will have to see what happens finally with him and with other players.”
Martinez has scored 19 goals in 32 goals in all competitions for club and country so far, this season – including a hat-trick for Argentina against Mexico in September.
Despite all the transfer speculation, Martinez’s agent, Alberto Yaque, revealed he is just happy to be regarded so highly and wants to continue scoring goals.
Yaque said: “His constant growth makes the best teams in the world notice him and have that concept. Hopefully he will be rewarded for his effort.
“We have chatted with many people, but nothing more.
“For now those who call me are not directly employed by the club. There is nothing formal or serious.
“It is something dreamed of being the player in the market. He is not expecting anything, all he wants is to play and score goals.”
