Barcelona may need to offer star forward for signing in-demand striker

Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly been told by Inter that they must include Antoine Griezmann in any deal sign Lautaro Martinez. 

Martinez has emerged as one of the hottest strikers in Europe this season with 19 goals for club and country combined. 

The 22-year-old Argentine international is being linked with a host of top clubs across the continent as they look to bolster their attacks in the summer. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid are both very keen on the Argentine, who reportedly has a release clause of £92 million. 

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the young striker but Barcelona look like the likely destination for the Argentine. 

The Blaugrana are looking to find a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp and Martinez ticks all the boxes. 

Suarez is currently on the sidelines as he recovers from knee surgery and he is already 33 years of age.

So, a new number nine is understandably a major priority for Barcelona, who also targeted Rodrigo from Valencia in January. 

However, according to reports in Italy, Barcelona would have to offer Antonie Griezmann to Inter in exchange for Martinez if they want to pair the Argentine up with Lionel Messi up front. 

Meanwhile, former England and Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello reckons Martinez could be the right man to fill Suarez's boots. 

Speaking about the former Racing Club ace, the Italian said: "I like him very much. He works hard and is mentally strong. He reminds me of Luis Suarez in the way he runs and he has similar qualities to him too. 

"Up until a few months ago many of my colleagues criticised Lautaro and said that everything he did was wrong and that he could not convert his chances. 

“I saw things differently. I have always thought he was very good because he was always in the right places at the right time, the chances he was getting do not happen by chance. Nowadays many people think that Lautaro is an excellent player.”

Featured Image Credits - Marca