Marotta’s Quick Rejection Ended Barcelona’s Lautaro Plan
FC Barcelona’s search for a centre-forward led the club beyond its leading target, Julián Álvarez, after that route became impossible. Joan Laporta has now confirmed that the Catalans approached Inter directly about Lautaro Martínez as an alternative, but the conversation ended as soon as Beppe Marotta made clear the striker was not for sale.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez formed the main part of the summer striker search described by MARCA on September 30, 2026. Its account, based on Laporta’s interview with Corriere dello Sport, says the president personally contacted Inter to discuss the possibility of bringing the Argentina international to Barça.
Laporta expressed the strength of the club’s interest in direct terms: “Lautaro es un jugador increíble. Lo queríamos a toda costa para el Barça.” He said Barcelona wanted the Inter forward after Álvarez could not be signed and the club turned to Lautaro as its plan B.
The approach was a direct conversation between the two presidents, rather than a negotiation handled through intermediaries. Laporta said he called Marotta, told him he would be delighted to have Lautaro in his team and explained that he admired the player.
Marotta, however, told him that the striker was not available. Laporta recalled that the Inter president made the position clear before he had finished speaking, leaving no opening to take the discussion further.
The Barcelona president said he ended the conversation there, citing the mutual trust between himself and Marotta and his respect for Inter. The account does not establish that Lautaro wanted to move, nor does it identify a formal bid, proposed fee, release clause or wage offer; it describes an inquiry that stopped once Inter stated its position.
That distinction makes Laporta’s admission a useful addition to the picture of Barça’s recruitment work: the pursuit went beyond the better-known Álvarez interest, but did not develop into a transfer negotiation. Lautaro Martínez’s decision to remain at Inter is part of the wider background to the club’s interest, although Laporta’s account centres on Inter’s refusal to make the forward available.
With the Álvarez move unavailable and Inter unwilling to discuss a sale, Barcelona’s attempt to add the Argentine ended before any terms were established. Laporta’s description offers a clear account of how quickly that alternative was closed off: one direct call, a firm answer from Marotta, and no further approach out of respect for the Italian club.
