Deco confirms Barcelona tried to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter

Deco has confirmed that Barcelona approached Inter Milan for Lautaro Martinez this summer, but ended the search when he was told the striker was not for sale.

The Barcelona sporting director spoke at the annual Portugal Football Summit. The club had targeted Julian Alvarez as their first choice but were blocked by Atletico Madrid. Martinez emerged as an alternative, and Barcelona made an approach before stopping when Inter refused to sell.

«Lautaro is an idol for Inter and we have a lot of respect for that. I think he is a fantastic player, spectacular, an icon, a legend of Inter and their captain. The moment the club told us that he was not for sale, we didn't try to go beyond that, and we didn't talk about it anymore».

Deco added that the club had no direct contact with the player or his agent. «We try to do things fairly and clearly. At times there is speculation in the media, but the clubs know how things really went».

Barcelona completed a move for Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal after the Martinez bid collapsed. The 22-year-old centre-forward has scored two goals since arriving in September.

The news comes as Inter prepare for a new season. Martinez, the Argentine captain, led his side to the Serie A and Coppa Italia double last term.

The situation may mean Barcelona will look elsewhere for a striker if Alvarez remains unavailable. Deco said the club still likes the Argentine, but the door is closed.