Inter won’t proceed in negotiations with Barcelona regarding Lautaro Martinez until they have a possible replacement prepared, according to a report from Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia earlier today.
The report details how the Nerazzurri still want the Blaugrana to pay his €111 million release clause, but the Catalan club cannot afford to pay that, considering their current financial situation. Barcelona are set to close the financial year with losses of €150 million and have asked their staff to take a further pay cut for next season in order to reduce further losses.
Inter could be prepared to negotiate with the Blaugrana further, the report continues, but first want a replacement lined up. The Nerazzurri have been considering many players that could replace the 22-year-old Argentine striker but haven’t closed out a deal for anyone yet.
Lautaro has made 31 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 2437 minutes. In that time, he has scored 16 goals and provided four assists.
