Barcelona tried very hard to sign a top-level striker during the summer transfer window, but in the end, they failed to do so. Their decision to hold on to hope that Julian Alvarez would join ended up being in vain, although they did make some efforts to secure an alternative.
Prior to signing Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona were linked with several strikers outwith Alvarez, and [one of them was Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-set-to-go-all-out-for-serie-a-superstar-this-summer/). The 29-year-old is a player that the Catalans have long kept tabs on, and there were chances for him to move to the Spotify Camp Nou this summer.
As per [Diario AS](https://as.com/futbol/internacional/los-rumores-sobre-el-barcelona-eran-ciertos-pero-el-inter-para-mi-es-todo-f202609-n/), Martinez confirmed this week during a speech at the Grand Football Gala that Barcelona came in for him during the summer, although he made it clear that he only wanted to continue as an Inter Milan player.
**“When these offers and these calls come in, it’s always nice because you work to be at the top. The rumours were true, but I have very clear ideas: I wanted to stay here with my teammates and with these magnificent fans. I would stay forever and, as long as they love me and I am useful to this team, I will stay here. Besides, at work we know it, when you are no longer useful, they send you out, but my will is clear. Inter for me is all pride, happiness and desire to continue. I have chosen once again to stay here. I want to do great things at Inter.”**
At 29, Martinez is entering the twilight stages of his career, and while Barcelona are not averse to going for older strikers, it is unlikely that they will try to sign him again. They are firmly focused on Alvarez, whom they hope to prise away from Atletico Madrid in 2027.