Giuseppe Marotta confirms Inter are in contract talks with Lautaro Martinez

Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that the club are in negotiations over a new contract with Lautaro Martinez despite the speculation surrounding the Argentine’s future.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer move to Barcelona, but the Spanish giants are currently not in a position to propose a transfer due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

On the other hand, the Nerazzurri have repeatedly emphasised that Martinez is not up for sale and they are in a strong position to keep him, particularly with his £99.5m release clause having expired on July 7.

Speaking recently to Sky Sport Italia, Marotta acknowledged that the club are negotiating contract renewals with a number of regulars and that includes Martinez.

He added that the club are not in a hurry to extend the striker’s contract, given there have a close relationship with the player, who is pleased to don the club’s jersey.

“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,” He told.

“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.”

Martinez, who is contracted until June 2023, is currently in his second season with Inter. He has registered 18 goals and six assists from 42 appearances and has often partnered Romelu Lukaku upfront.

However, since the season restart last month, there has been a regular rotation from manager Antonio Conte with Alexis Sanchez, currently on loan from Manchester United, starting ahead of either Martinez or Lukaku.

Sanchez has found form after the coronavirus shutdown with two goals and seven assists from 10 Serie A matches and Inter are looking at the option of extending his temporary stay beyond the first week of August.

The former Arsenal man has been permitted to play in the one-legged Europa League round of 16 clash against Getafe on August 5, but United are reluctant to extend his loan beyond that period as the Chilean could come face-to-face against them in the competition’s final.

The Nerazurri are planning a strategy where they are prepared to pay a penalty fee in such a situation while they are open to the prospect of signing him permanently. Marotta has confirmed that the club are looking at the possibility of an extension for Sanchez.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com