Luis Suarez says Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez must be a team player if he is to be welcomed at Barcelona amid talk of a move to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign Martinez, who scored 16 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions for Inter this term before the suspension of Italian football.
Will Barcelona make their move for Martinez? Five things to know…
- Barcelona are interested in signing Martinez this summer, according to ESPN.
- However, it is believed they may have to choose between pursuing Martinez or bringing Neymar back.
- Financial problems caused by the ongoing coronavirus crisis are thought to be the reason.
- Neymar is said to be Barcelona’s preferred option.
- But some members of the the club’s board apparently prefer the idea of buying Martinez.
Martinez opened the scoring in Inter’s 2-1 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League group stages last October, likely catching the eye of the Catalans’ hierarchy.
Were he to make the move to Barcelona, the Argentinian would be in direct competition with Suarez for the centre-forward spot in the team.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Suarez said he would welcome Martinez at the club but suggested the 22-year-old will only be welcomed if he’s willing to help the team achieve its objectives.
“Lautaro is a player who has been growing a lot in Italy. He is a No.9 who has movements that are spectacular and that reflects how great a striker he is,” Suarez said.
The Uruguayan also noted that any incoming player must “fulfil the same objective that is everyone’s, that of wanting to win everything.”
He added: “There will always be healthy competition and we will always throw everyone on the same side. So players who come to fight for a place and help the team will always be welcome, it will always be better and it will strengthen the group.”
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Suarez: Neymar always welcome back at Barcelona
Suarez also commented on rumours surrounding a potential return for Neymar, insisting the Brazilian would be welcomed back because of the affection he has for Barcelona.
“Obviously everyone knows him and we know the appreciation that we have for him in the dressing room,” Suarez added.
“He still has a lot to give and in the dressing room he would always be welcome because of the affection he has.”