Lautaro Martinez’s agent last night confirmed Barcelona were ‘strongly’ interested in the Inter forward, following reports in the Spanish media last month.
El Toro scored nine goals in his debut season for the Nerazzurri and is expected to become an even more important player under Antonio Conte.
Barca were reported to be considering triggering the 21-year-old’s €110 million release clause, leading reporters to ask Beto Yaque about the links.
Yaque said: “The rumours are true. Well, nobody has called us directly but we know Barcelona made an enquiry about Lautaro. He’s happy about that.”
Lautaro struck up a close friendship with Mauro Icardi last season, but the pair are likely to be separated this summer with Maurito headed for the exit door.
“Mauro has always been very helpful with Lautaro,” Yaque continued.
“He always calls him and he’s left his door open for him. He’s a good lad but it was obvious they would be fighting for one place in the team last year, because Luciano Spalletti only played with one striker.”
