Barcelona made enquiry for Inter Milan captain but transfer has already stalled

Barcelona made enquiry for Inter Milan captain but transfer has already stalled Barcelona did enquire about Lautaro Martinez, but their interest has not developed into anything more substantial, according to the latest information from Matteo Moretto . The Inter Milan captain has once again found himself linked with a move to Barcelona as the club looks at alternatives in its search for a new No. 9.  However, the Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona story does not appear to be an active transfer operation at this stage. Moretto reports that Barcelona did ask about the Argentine forward, but the matter went no further than an initial enquiry. That is hardly surprising given Lautaro’s importance to Inter Milan.  The Argentine is a central figure in the Italian side’s project, and there has been no indication that the Nerazzurri are looking to part ways with their star striker. Barcelona have sounded out several striker options The renewed focus on Barcelona’s search for a centre-forward comes after their pursuit of Julian Alvarez suffered a major setback. Barcelona did enquire about Lautaro Martinez. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) The Atletico Madrid forward had emerged as a priority target, but a deal is now close to impossible, with recent information suggesting the Julian Alvarez to Barcelona transfer is “99 per cent off the table” . That development has forced Barcelona to look elsewhere . As reported before, the club has made several enquiries, held contacts and explored different possibilities as they search for a player capable of strengthening the No. 9 position. One of the names to emerge is Georges Mikautadze. The Villarreal forward has the backing of sporting director Deco, making him one of the more serious alternatives discussed in recent reports.  However, his situation is not entirely straightforward, particularly with questions over whether Hansi Flick is fully convinced by the operation. Ayoze Perez was also linked with Barcelona as a cheaper alternative. Yet that possibility has since been played down , with Moretto previously reporting that the Spanish forward is not currently an option for the Blaugrana. Lautaro Martinez will not leave Inter Milan. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Lautaro, meanwhile, is now another name that can be added to Barcelona’s list of enquiries, but there is an important difference between asking about a player and actively pursuing him. Lautaro remains crucial to Inter Milan Barcelona’s enquiry has reportedly stalled because of Lautaro’s status at Inter. The Argentine is not simply another forward who could become available if the right offer arrives.  He is Inter Milan’s captain, one of their most important players and a key part of their sporting plans, making any potential Barcelona transfer for Lautaro Martinez extremely complicated. The 28-year-old would undoubtedly bring proven quality at the highest level, experience in major competitions and a profile that could immediately strengthen Barcelona’s attack.  However, Barcelona have simply not moved beyond their initial contact.