Inter Milan’s contract extension talks with their captain Lautaro Martinez are starting to drag on.

Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, take stock of the situation, noting the elongated timeline even in the face of all the reassurances.

In terms of all the public statements coming from Inter or from Martinez, a new deal for the 26-year-old only seem to be a matter of time.

Meanwhile, Martinez himself has reassured at every turn that his only intention is to stay at Inter.

The Argentine seems completely sincere in his feeling of attachment to the Nerazzurri.

Therefore, Martinez does want to commit his future.

Inter want to extend the club captain’s deal from the end of June 2026 to the end of June 2028.

This would of course come with a substantial pay raise to reflect the striker’s value to the team.

Inter Contract Talks With Lautaro Martinez Still Dragging On

Inter had already started to broach contract talks with Martinez and his representatives during the summer.

And these negotiations have continued at pace throughout the fall.

There has never been an exact end date in mind. Naturally, the sheer number of important matches during the season has meant that the talks have been disrupted to avoid distractions for the important on-pitch work.

But the delays have started to pile up.

Reports suggest that Inter had already hoped to have everything sewn up regarding a new deal for Martinez by now.

The Nerazzurri had expected that based on the timeline of negotiations, the Argentine could have put pen to paper by early January.

But that’s not how it’s gone. Martinez is still on the same contract that he signed in 2021.

The player’s agent made clear that there is still more work necessary in negotiations.

And the agent also didn’t hide the reason for this. Martinez and his representatives expect a pay raise that would reflect the extent of his growth.

Given that Martinez is in truly outstanding form in front of goal this season, the striker and his representatives want to capitalize.

Inter still project calm, confidence, and optimism that they’ll sort it all out in due time.

But so far, the fact remains that the Nerazzurri have not yet made an offer that has convinced Martinez and his representatives.