Former Inter striker Hernan Crespo has insisted that Lautaro Martinez must remain at Inter despite the possibility of a move to Barcelona.
For a number of months now Lautaro has been heavily linked with a switch to the reigning La Liga champions, who reportedly see him as one of their top targets ahead of the upcoming Summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who is under contract with Inter until 2023, has a release clause in his contract worth €111 million but various reports have stated Barcelona do not wish to pay it and instead want to do a player(s) plus cash deal for him.
Nelson Semedo, Marc Cucurella, Carles Alena and Junior Firpo have all recently been suggested as players who could be involved in a deal for him.
“He must stay at Inter without doubt for a simple reason. He did well in Argentina with Racing, he arrived at Inter and for one season he was on the bench, then he was promoted to being a starter,” Crespo remarked in an interview with Milan based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition of the paper.
“This is his first season as an indispensable player. He needs at least three years to finish growing, then he can think about a transfer elsewhere.”
Crespo also spoke on how Inter have changed as a club this season: “I have followed the evolution of Inter. Conte and Marotta have brought a different style to the past.”