Barcelona asked about Lautaro Martinez, confirms Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta

Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that Barcelona enquired about the possibility of signing Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez during the summer transfer window, but says the player is central to the Italian club’s present and future.

Marotta was speaking to DAZN Italia before Inter’s Serie A meeting with Napoli at San Siro. He also warned that the race for this season’s Scudetto would involve more than the two clubs facing each other.

“The competition will not be only between Inter and Napoli. It also includes Roma, Juventus and other clubs I do not want to forget, including Como, who are a significant and special surprise,” said Marotta, according to Football Italia.

“That means the identity of the champions is by no means decided.”

The comments come after a period of administrative movement and change at the Lombardy club. One of the most notable developments was the unexpected departure of sporting director Piero Ausilio, who had spent many years at Inter.

The club has otherwise enjoyed greater technical stability than it did last summer. Inter won the league title and have continued their work under manager Cristian Chivu.

Marotta said maintaining success would be more difficult than achieving it in the first place, while insisting Inter had yet to accomplish anything this season.

“Winning titles consecutively helps you continue winning, but maintaining that success is the biggest challenge. We have not achieved anything yet this season,” he said.

“If we want to write history, we must find additional motivation, especially because we are the team everyone wants to knock off the top. That makes every match more difficult.”

The Inter president also discussed contract matters involving members of the squad, following the extension signed by young striker Francesco Pio Esposito and recent comments from Federico Dimarco.

“We have great respect for all our players, and we will soon meet with their agents to discuss their ambitions,” Marotta said.

“There is a strong sense of belonging to the Inter shirt, and together we will assess how to continue this relationship.”

Lautaro Martinez, who is also the club captain, has long been regarded as a key figure at Inter. Marotta confirmed that Barcelona had asked about his availability but said there was no willingness from either the club or the player to pursue a move.

“The reports that Barcelona enquired about Lautaro are true, but the answer from both us and the player was decisive: to continue together,” said Marotta with a smile.

“Lautaro is the team captain and represents Inter’s present and future. We hope this understanding will continue in the long term.”

The Italian title race, meanwhile, is expected to feature several contenders, with Marotta identifying Roma, Juventus and surprise package Como alongside Inter and Napoli.

The topics and news can also be discussed in greater depth on the Kooora forums.