Beppe Marotta, Inter's president, has revealed that Barcelona made a concrete approach for striker Lautaro Martinez during the transfer window. Speaking ahead of Inter's Serie A showdown with Napoli, Marotta dismissed speculation about the Argentine forward's future, emphasizing that both the club and player remain fully committed to the Nerazzurri project.
Barcelona's Failed Bid and Lautaro's Future
"Barcelona tried for Lautaro but both we and he were certain. He represents the present and future history of Inter," Marotta told reporters. The statement underscores the club's stance on keeping their key striker, who has been integral to Inter's recent success. Lautaro has consistently delivered in Serie A and European competitions, making him one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
Contract Renewals for Dimarco and Calhanoglu
Marotta confirmed that Inter will open negotiations with representatives of defenders Federico Dimarco and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu regarding contract extensions. "We have respect. We will begin talks with their agents to see what their demands are," he explained. The president signalled Inter's willingness to reward loyalty, provided both players demonstrate commitment to the club. "If a player shows a sense of belonging, that should be rewarded and the continuation of the relationship assessed."
The renewal talks come as Inter seeks to maintain squad stability while competing for honours across multiple fronts. Both Dimarco and Calhanoglu have proven crucial to manager Simone Inzaghi's tactical setup, with the defender's energy on the left flank and the Turkish midfielder's ball-playing abilities central to Inter's identity.
Serie A Title Race Heating Up
On the broader championship picture, Marotta acknowledged the intensity of the race for the Scudetto. "Winning is difficult but retaining the title is even more difficult. To remain in history you need to do it again," he stated. He identified not only Napoli as challengers but also Roma, Juventus, and other ambitious sides in what promises to be a competitive campaign. As defending champions, Inter carry the burden of being "the team to beat," forcing them to maintain consistency throughout the season.
