Spanish La Liga side, FC Barcelona moved a step in front of their rivals in the race to sign Inter Milan striker, Lautaro Martinez after reports on Saturday suggested that the 22-year-old could be moving to Camp Nou.

The Catalunya side were said to have convinced the striker to jettison any other offer coming his way in favor of the La Liga champions despite having the intention of keeping Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez after assuring him of a starting role irrespective.

It is understood that the player will not try to force an exit from Seria a club Inter Milan, but he will inform the San Siro side of his desire to play with Argentina forward, Lionel Messi.

Unfortunately, the current lockdown across Europe due to the Coronavirus pandemic is understood to be a major barrier to the progress of the move.

It’s financial effect also means that the move may require the swap of players which will include Arturo Vidal in the deal

Reports indicate that Inter Milan coach, Antonio Conte fancy having a player like Arturo Vidal, who he admires, in Milan.

Meanwhile, while a transfer fee hasn’t been agreed for Martinez, personal agreements have Been reached with his transfer fee expected to be in the region of 120million pounds.

He has scored 16 goals in 31 games in all competitions this season for Inter Milan.

Both Inter Milan and Barcelona are jostling for their respective league titles with Inter Milan third with 54 points in the Serie A, albeit the team is 9 points away from Juventus, who sit atop with 63 points.

Barcelona are, on their own part, top of La Liga ahead of fellow rivals real Madrid with two points.

Nevertheless, both leagues are on suspension due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu