Lautaro Martinez: Barcelona hold off on race to sign Argentine this window

 Barcelona have decided not to pursue their interest in signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentinian striker has been strongly linked with a move to the Nou Camp all year and is valued at around £90million by the San Siro club. 

However, given the financial uncertainty at Barcelona, the Catalans have been unable to meet Inter’s asking price and have subsequently withdrawn from the transfer race. 

The La Liga giants will, however, continue to look to fill the void left by Luis Suarez - who completed a controversial £5.5m move to Diego Simeone's side after being told by Ronald Koeman he was no longer required.

Martinez would have been an ideal replacement for Suarez as he scored 14 goals in Serie A last season and found the net once again on Saturday to help his side triumph 4-3 over Fiorentina.

Martinez did originally have a £100m release clause in his contract but that option expired in July.

Inter are now asking for a minimum of £73m for their striker and will refuse to accept additional players as part of the deal, according to Calciomercato.

Despite initially vying for the 23-year-old's signature, Barcelona knew that if they met Inter's asking price, they wouldn't be able to strengthen in other areas prior to the transfer deadline of October 5. 

Ideally, Koeman would like to add depth at centre-back and right-back before the summer window closes. 

As a move to Spain is now off the table, Martinez looks set to stay at the San Siro for another season. 

Martinez's contract is due to expire in 2023, but it seems likely that the striker will agree new terms with the club.

Barca have been linked with Lyon forward Memphis Depay, who Koeman managed at international level with Holland, as an alternative option for their forward line. 

Posted by Ibemesichisom September 28, 2020

Koeman: It seems like I'm the bad guy in this Suarez story, but it wasn't me

 Ronald Koeman has played down Lionel Messi's reaction to Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid.

The new Barcelona boss has allowed the striker to leave the club this summer, although he admitted it wasn't all his own decision.

"It seems as though I'm the bad guy in this film because, behind my call to Luis Suarez, I've shown respect towards him as a person and a player," Koeman said during Saturday's pre-match press conference.

"I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play, but that if he stayed he'd be part of the group.

"Before I signed, the club had already made some decisions and I've supported those decisions.

"It wasn't just up to me.

"It's normal that Messi is sad when one of his friends leaves the club.

"Leo has been an example for everyone in training and in matches.

"Not once have I seen him not ready for a season.

"He's shown great commitment. I don't have any doubts in that sense."

As for Suarez's replacement, Koeman admitted that Barcelona are in the lookout for opportunities to sign one before the window shuts.

"We're always looking for players to improve the team," the Dutchman said.

"It could be that the players we want can't [come] because of the club's financial situation, but I accept that and I knew it beforehand.

"We have lots of top-quality players up front.

"If the squad stays as it is, we'll have to accept it."

Riqui Puig is another player that Koeman has suggested should leave the Camp Nou in search of more game time.

"In Riqui Puig's case, there is lots of competition in his position," Koeman added.

"It's not true that he's not in my plans because he'll be in the squad tomorrow.

"It's nothing to do with his shirt number."

Unlike Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati is set to play a major part in Barcelona's first team this campaign.

"Ansu Fati is a great talent," Koeman said.

"Few players at his age show this level.

"He's young and has to learn things but, if he's made his international debut, it means something.

"He's a player for the future for the club, although it's impressive that he's good enough to play for the first team at his age."

Philippe Coutinho has returned to Barcelona following his loan spell at Bayern Munich and Koeman is looking forward to having him at his disposal.

"Coutinho can play perfectly well as a No.10 or on the left wing," he said.

"He's a player that likes to help the team defensively.

"He's got a good shot on him, he plays well in space...

"I like him and let's hope he succeeds at Barcelona this season."

Posted by Ibemesichisom September 26, 2020

Messi says He is fed up with Barcelona following Suarez departure

 

Lionel Messi says Luis Suarez deserved a better send-off from Barcelona but that he is “no longer surprised” by the club’s behaviour.

Suarez has joined Atletico Madrid after being told he was not in new Barca boss Ronald Koeman’s plans.

Earlier this month, Messi said he would stay at Barca despite wanting to leave because he felt he had no option.

In a post on Instagram, Messi paid tribute to Suarez, saying it will be “strange” to see him “with another shirt and much more to face you”.

“You deserved a send-off matching who you are – one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.

“Not to get thrown out like you have been. But the truth is at this point nothing surprises me.”

Uruguayan Suarez scored 198 goals in 283 games to become the third highest goalscorer in Barcelona’s history.

Posted by Ibemesichisom September 25, 2020