Deco: ‘Barcelona wanted Lautaro Martinez, but Inter refused to sell’

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the club attempted to sign Inter striker Lautaro Martinez during the summer 2026 transfer window. The approach occurred after Barcelona's pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez stalled. However, after Inter's president informed Barcelona that their captain was strictly not for sale, the Catalan club chose to halt their pursuit immediately without directly approaching the Argentine player or his agent.

Deco praised the Inter captain as an icon and legend, denying media speculation that personal terms had already been agreed between Martinez and Barcelona. Although Barcelona respected Inter's firm stance against a permanent transfer, Deco acknowledged that the club remains fond of the forward for potential future interest.