In an interview with Italian news outlet FCInter1908.it, Racing Club president Victor Blanco has shared his belief that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez is worth more than the release clause in his current contract amid continued links to Barcelona.

“I am kept informed by those who are at his side but it is up to him to make a decision, we want the best for him. If Messi wants him it is very difficult to say no because Lautaro has great admiration for him,” he began the interview.

“There are great players in the Inter squad but he has become an indisputable starter. He is a world class player and among the top 10 in world for his quality and age. I believe he is worth more than his €111 million release clause.”

Blanco was then asked if Racing Club are hoping for him to make any particular decision given they could pocket close to €10 million if his release clause is triggered.

“We will be very respectful of the decision that he and his family will make. It is a personal matter that he must try to solve in the best way as he has done with all the decisions he has made in his short career. ”

He then cast his mind back to recall Lautaro’s transfer to Inter back in the Summer of 2018 with Inter pipping a series of other clubs to his signature.

“There was a lot of competition and a war between various clubs in Europe. He left negotiations in the hands of his agent and us at Racing, he trusted us.

“During the negotiations he came to me and told me to try and do a deal with Inter as he was convinced it was the best option for him.”

Since Lautaro’s arrival at Inter, he has went on to make 66 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he has scored 25 goals and tallied five assists for his teammates.

31 of those appearances have come during the course of this season in which he has scored 16 goals and provided a total of four assists.