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Lionel Messi opens up on Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona transfer with Luis Suarez claim
Lionel Messi has opened up on Barcelona's attempt to sign Lautaro Martinez.
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Lionel Messi has urged Barcelona to do whatever it takes to sign Lautaro Martinez this summer, as he compared his international team-mate to Luis Suarez. Barca are desperate to sign Martinez this summer, and are reportedly close on a deal with Inter Milan.
Martinez appears to be Barcelona's top priority transfer target this summer.
The Blaugrana are keen on bringing in a new central forward as a long-term replacement for Suarez, now 33.
Inter ace Martinez has been impressive this season having bagged 12 goals in 22 Serie A games.
He was wanted by Barcelona in January, but the La Liga outfit opted against a move.
The 22-year-old has a release clause of £97.5million, but Barca are keen to get that down by offering players in exchange.
Reports suggest they have offered Nelson Semedo and Arturo Vidal to the Italian giants, and are confident of securing a deal.
And Messi appears to have given his blessing to the move, as he said Martinez is the "complete forward".
He did, however, downplay any speculation that he had been briefed on a move, insisting he isn't privy to any negotiations.
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Messi said: “If I'm honest with you, I'm not sure if there were or are negotiations right now for him, I have no idea.
"I think I already mentioned it, that Lautaro is an impressive striker, especially because I think he is a very complete forward.
"He is strong, he dribbles well, he has a goal, he knows how to protect the ball ...
"But, well, we will have to see what happens finally with him and with other names that sound.
Messi also compared Martinez to Suarez, saying the pair play in a similar way with their backs to goal.
"Lautaro bears a lot of resemblance to Luis," he added.
"The two handle very well with their bodies, they hold the ball, when it comes to charging, at goal time, they have similar things."