Barcelona to abandon Federico Dimarco pursuit as he is close to signing a new Inter Milan deal

Barcelona to abandon Federico Dimarco pursuit as he is close to signing a new Inter Milan deal Barcelona are set to abandon their pursuit of Federico Dimarco after Inter Milan took a major step towards securing the left-back’s long-term future at San Siro, according to Sport . The Italian champions have activated an option in Dimarco’s contract to extend his stay until June 2028, dealing a major blow to Barcelona’s hopes of signing the defender. Per reports, Inter have exercised the clause and are already preparing to negotiate an even longer agreement with the Italian international. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta confirmed the development before his side met with Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League league phase. The announcement is a huge blow for Barcelona . They have been monitoring Dimarco’s situation in recent months. Sporting director Deco admires the 28-year-old and explored bringing him to the Spotify Camp Nou during the summer transfer window. One proposal reportedly involved a swap deal with Alejandro Balde moving in the opposite direction, plus a financial payment to Inter. However, the Italian club’s latest move makes such an arrangement increasingly unlikely, with the Nerazzurri determined to keep one of their most important players. Barcelona will have to look elsewhere for left-back reinforcement. They can finish the season with Balde and Joao Cancelo there, with Gerard Martin deputising. Dimarco has become a key figure at his boyhood club. He is one of the world’s most creative full-backs. He delivered seven goals and 17 assists (33 big chances created) to help his side clinch the Serie A title last term and was arguably the best player in the Italian top flight. While he struggles defensively, his attacking contributions have made him an excellent weapon in the wing-back system. Dimarco is still getting up to speed this season, and his dip in form is one reason Inter sit three points behind Lazio at the top of the Serie A table.