Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu admits talks for Lautaro Martinez are ‘at a standstill’ but denies Lionel Messi will join Inter next year.
Barca have long set their sights on Martinez, as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez in their attack, but Bartomeu conceded there were no new developments.
“We’ve talked to Inter, but right now it’s at a standstill,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“Our sporting focus right now is on the Champions League, which is just around the corner.”
Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu admits talks for Lautaro Martinez are ‘at a standstill’ but denies Lionel Messi will join Inter next year.
Barca have long set their sights on Martinez, as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez in their attack, but Bartomeu conceded there were no new developments.
“We’ve talked to Inter, but right now it’s at a standstill,” he told Mundo Deportivo.
“Our sporting focus right now is on the Champions League, which is just around the corner.”
Messi, meanwhile, continues to be linked with a move to Inter as his contract is due to expire in less than 12 months’ time and his father has allegedly bought a home in Milan.
Despite that, the patron affirmed his No 10 would be seeing out the rest of his career at Camp Nou.
“Messi has said on several occasions that he wants to retire here and I have no doubts that he’ll renew [his contract].
“I have a very close relationship with him, as I do with all the captains.”