KEY POINTS

  • Inter Milan is working on a new deal with Lautaro Martinez, chief executive Giuseppe Marotta confirmed
  • Inter is hoping to get loan extension for Alexis Sanchez
  • The executive also confirmed that no offers have been made for Federico Chiesa for now

Lautaro Martinez has been linked to a potential move to FC Barcelona, but it appears Inter Milan will not make it easy as chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that there are ongoing contract discussions with the 22-year-old striker. I Nerazzurri is also working on a loan extension for Alexis Sanchez.

Following their match against Fiorentina, Marotta was asked about the future of Martinez and Sanchez. The 63-year-old executive revealed that Inter is trying to work out a new deal with Martinez, who has been repeatedly linked to a move to Barcelona.

However, Inter seems bent on keeping the Argentine player on its side. The club is not too keen on selling Martinez and will try to make things harder for Barca and any other team interested in Martinez.

The release clause of the 22-year-old football player expired earlier this month. That was worth around $128.5 million.

"We are discussing contract renewals with many players, above all the younger ones who we want to work with for a long time, and that includes Lautaro," Marotta said.

"We're doing it calmly, without rush, as there is a rapport of trust. He is happy to wear this jersey and at the opportune moment we will evaluate his future," he added.

Martinez has accounted for 18 goals this season but has struggled since the football restart. He has only two goals to show in June. Martinez was on the bench against Fiorentina in Milan, with Sanchez teaming up with Romelu Lukaku up front.

As for Sanchez, Marotta is trying to work out a deal with Manchester United to keep the 31-year-old forward until the Europa League play-off with Getafe. He is one of the multiple player contracts that Inter is trying to address.

Aside from Martinez and Sanchez, Marotta was asked about their interest in Federico Chiesa. The 22-year-old has been linked to a possible move to Inter, but the executive confirmed that no negotiations have been made concerning Chiesa for now.

"I can assure you there have certainly not been any approaches or negotiations. We respect Fiorentina and the player," Marotta said.

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have scored 30 goals in total between them this season.
Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku have scored 30 goals in total between them this season. AFP / Tiziana FABI