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Lautaro Martinez’s links with Barcelona could be moving into an important new phase, with the Catalan giants reportedly getting their first offer ready for the Inter Milan captain.

Barcelona’s interest in the Argentina striker is understood to be genuine, and the club now feel there is a realistic opportunity to open talks with Inter.

According to El Chiringuito TV, the Blaugrana are putting together an opening proposal worth less than €100 million and believe a deal could possibly be done below that amount.

After a move for Julian Alvarez became increasingly complicated, Barcelona appear to have turned their attention towards the Inter forward.

Barcelona have been looking into the possibility of signing Lautaro for some time, especially as their hopes of bringing Julian Alvarez to the club began to diminish.

The Argentina international has therefore emerged as a serious candidate in the club’s search for attacking reinforcements.

Barcelona are now preparing their first offer for Lautaro Martinez.

As reported earlier, there have already been meetings and contacts over the player’s situation, while Barcelona are encouraged by their relationship with Lautaro and the people close to him.

Moreover, a move for Lautaro Martinez is also believed to have support within the Barcelona hierarchy.

Hansi Flick is said to admire the Inter captain, while sporting director Deco also has a positive view of him.

Barcelona do have other names on their shortlist, but the report indicates that Lautaro has become the preferred option for Flick’s side.

That support could now translate into concrete action, with Barcelona preparing their first proposal in the belief that Inter Milan may be willing to sit down and talk.

There is increasing confidence that the situation could advance significantly next week, although reaching an agreement remains far from simple.

Inter Milan are reluctant to part ways with Lautaro Martinez.

At present, Barcelona do not plan to start negotiations with an offer of €100 million or more.

Instead, the club are preparing an initial bid below that mark and believe a move taking Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona could be possible for less than €100 million if talks move in the right direction.

The main question is whether Inter Milan see it the same way, given that he is the club captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room after spending nearly a decade with the Nerazzurri.

The 28-year-old joined from Racing de Avellaneda as a teenager and is now getting ready for his ninth season at the club. He is also under contract with Inter until 2029, which gives the Italian side a strong hand in any potential transfer.

The striker is also on a very good salary in Milan, while his family are settled and comfortable in Italy.

There is, therefore, no obvious reason for Inter to actively push for his exit, meaning Barcelona would still have to convince both the club and the player that a transfer is the right move.