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Barcelona propose new cash offer for Lautaro Martinez after £205k personal agreement
Barcelona are desperate to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez.
Lautaro Martinez: Pundits discuss transfer rumours
Barcelona have devised a new offer to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, reports claim. The Catalan giants have made the Argentina international their priority signing in the upcoming transfer window.
The Spanish heavyweights view Martinez as the ideal long-term successor to Luis Suarez, 33, who is in the twilight of his career.
Barcelona have made several failed attempts to secure Martinez's signature after making it clear they could not afford to trigger his £100million release clause.
It was thought that Inter would accept cash and the arrival of 23-year-old Arthur Melo but Barca chiefs are not prepared to let the Brazil international leave the Nou Camp.
However, Barcelona executives have a fresh plan up their sleeve.
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Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim Inter will be offered £62million in cash and defender Junior Firpo.
Firpo, 23, joined Barcelona from Real Betis for an initial £16million in August 2019 but hasn't convinced those around the club that he's capable of replacing left-back Jordi Alba.
Manager Antonio Conte is reportedly a fan of the former Spain youth international, who would slot perfectly into his 3-5-2 formation.
Martinez has enjoyed a prolific campaign at the San Siro having bagged 16 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances - including a Champions League strike against Barcelona during a 2-1 defeat.
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The 22-year-old is desperate to link up with compatriot Lionel Messi in Spain and recent reports claim he's already agreed personal terms with the club.
Spanish website Sport reported that Martinez agreed terms on a five-year contract worth £205,000-a-week.
Chelsea were previously linked with the talented forward but Frank Lampard's side have now agreed a deal with RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.