Lautaro Martinez says he is 'very happy' at Inter, despite interest from Barcelona, and 'can't wait' to start the new season.

Martinez had been linked with a shock €112m switch to Barca following his exploits at Copa America alongside Lionel Messi, while his agent claimed there was truth in the speculation.

Lautaro Martinez “will not leave Inter and can’t wait to start work with Antonio Conte,” said his agent. “It’s true there was some Barcelona interest.”

His profile shot up considerably over the summer thanks to his Copa America performances, as he now has six goals in 11 senior caps for Argentina.

This prompted speculation that Barcelona wanted to sign the striker who turns 22 next month.

Lautaro Martinez’s agent has claimed that Barcelona are ‘strongly’ interested in signing the Inter striker.

Inter recently denied speculation of a €112m bid from Barca for Martinez, but Alberto Yaque is adamant the Catalans are actively ‘looking’ at the 22-year-old.

“Talk of Barcelona’s interest is true,” Yaque told Ole.

Javier Zanetti insists Barcelona have made no offers for Lautaro Martinez and that Inter are planning for the future with the striker.

Barca were reportedly readying a €112m bid for Martinez following his positive impression at Copa America, but Zanetti made it clear his fellow Argentine was staying put.

“Inter haven’t received any offers,” the Nerazzurri Vice-President told TyC Sports.

Barcelona are preparing a €112m swoop for Inter breakout striker Lautaro Martinez, claim reports in Argentina, after his Copa America exploits.

The forward turns 22 in August and has been a sensation for La Seleccion this summer, scoring in back-to-back games and earning praise from the media.

He is the top scorer in the Lionel Scaloni era and has five goals in just nine senior caps for his country playing alongside Leo Messi.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez was again decisive, as he scored in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Venezuela to book a Copa America semi-final against Brazil.

The 21-year-old forward has been the breakout star of he tournament and confirmed why he was chosen rather than Nerazzurri teammate Mauro Icardi, pushing Juventus man Paulo Dybala on to the bench.

In the opening minutes of tonight’s game, Sergio Aguero’s wayward strike from a corner found Lautaro Martinez, who redirected it into the net from six yards with a cheeky back-heel flick.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez was on target as Argentina beat Qatar 2-0, progressing to the Copa America quarter-finals along with Colombia.

The forward found the net just five minutes in, making the most of a dreadful defensive error.

There were some scares along the way, as Qatar hit the woodwork with a free kick, while Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi missed sitters before Aguero finally rounded out the scoreline.

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala came off the bench, while Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was by many considered Man of the Match.

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored two goals in Argentina’s 5-1 friendly win over Nicaragua last night.

They are warming up for the Copa America and Lautaro confirmed why he was included in the squad at the expense of Nerazzurri teammate Mauro Icardi.

The 21-year-old came off the bench in place of Sergio Aguero and promptly scored twice in just 10 minutes, both from corners.

“I am very happy to have scored with the Seleccion shirt again,” ‘El Toro’ told reporters, as he now has four goals in just seven senior caps.