Barcelona turn to Victor Osimhen as Inter rule out Lautaro Martinez sale

Barcelona are considering a move for Victor Osimhen as they assess alternatives for their striker position, with Inter Milan insisting captain Lautaro Martinez will not leave during the current transfer window.

The Spanish club had identified Martinez as one of its leading options while its efforts to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid have stalled. Alvarez remains keen on a move to Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid continue to reject the possibility of allowing the Argentina international to depart.

Inter’s position on Martinez appears unequivocal. According to TEAMtalk, the Italian club have closed the door on a transfer and are determined to keep their captain for the new season. That stance leaves Barcelona facing a hugely difficult task if they decide to pursue the Argentina forward.

The situation has led Barcelona to examine other possibilities, with Osimhen emerging as a prominent alternative in the final days of the transfer market.

Osimhen enters Barcelona’s plans

The Nigeria striker, who currently plays for Galatasaray in Turkey, is firmly on the radar of Barcelona sporting director Deco. TEAMtalk reports that Osimhen was among the names discussed by the club throughout the summer as a possible replacement for Alvarez.

Osimhen is viewed as a more realistic option if Barcelona are unable to reach an agreement for Alvarez. The Catalan club are continuing to work on several scenarios as Deco looks to strengthen the centre-forward position before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona’s interest in Osimhen comes as the club faces obstacles in both of its preferred routes. Atletico Madrid remain unwilling to negotiate Alvarez’s departure, while Inter are equally determined to retain Martinez, leaving Osimhen as another possibility under consideration.

The Nigerian forward is also attracting interest from other clubs, including Arsenal, meaning Barcelona could face competition if they decide to make a formal move.

The club’s recruitment plans therefore remain dependent on how the Alvarez situation develops and whether Inter change their stance on Martinez. For now, Osimhen represents an alternative being actively explored rather than a completed or agreed transfer.

Barcelona have continued to assess more than one solution for the striker role as the transfer window enters its final phase. Deco’s ongoing work includes monitoring Osimhen, while the club remains aware that the Nigeria international is also being followed by Arsenal.

The developments come after Barcelona placed Martinez among their main alternatives to Alvarez. However, with Inter refusing to consider the sale of their captain and Atletico Madrid maintaining their position over Alvarez, Osimhen has become an increasingly important name in the club’s transfer planning.

The subject has also prompted further discussion among football supporters on the Kooora forums.