Chelsea forward one of two Barcelona alternatives to Julian Alvarez

Lautaro Martinez returns to Barcelona thinking

When it looked as if Lewandowski could exit Barcelona two seasons ago, there was some suggestion that Lautaro Martinez could become their new number nine. The Spanish radio station explain that Martinez has been admired by Barcelona for some time, and remains a name that could be discussed if Alvarez, his international teammate, cannot be signed. Martinez has 20 goals and four assists in his 36 appearances for Inter this season.

The finances involved in signing Martinez or Pedro

Martinez is under contract until 2029, and as their captain, it seems unlikely the Nerazzurri would be willing to do business were it not for a high fee. The 28-year-old is one of Inter’s marquee players, and if Alessandro Bastoni is to depart, still less so.

Pedro still has seven years left on his contract, and given the fee and his age, it seems likely Chelsea would demand an increase on what they paid for him. It seems likely Barcelona would have to get closer to €100m than €50m to pull off either transfer, but the feeling in Can Barca is that this is possible.