Barcelona tries to absorb Messi's anger with a great gift

The Catalan newspaper "Sport" reported that Barcelona is trying to reconcile with its Argentine player, Lionel Messi, with a great gift by hiring his countryman and friend Lautaro Martinez this summer, despite the difficulties facing the completion of the deal with Inter Milan.

Messi had entered into a crisis with his club's board of directors led by Josep Bartomeu, during which he was unable to fulfill his desire to leave the club this summer in front of the impeding penalty clause in his contract of 700 million euros, which prompted him to finally decide to remain within the ranks of Barca.

"The agent of the Inter Milan striker has already opened communication channels with Barcelona officials, and he will meet with club representatives over the next few days to discuss the deal that Barcelona has long sought," the newspaper said on Monday.

She added: "There is a penalty clause in Martinez (23 years old) contract with Inter Milan worth 111 million euros, but Barcelona has indicated its willingness to pay 80 million to disengage the player and his club."

The newspaper stated: "The new Barcelona coach, Ronald Koeman, has put forward the French Olympique Lyon striker, Dutchman Memphis Depay, as an alternative to Martinez in the event that the club's efforts to sign the latter did not succeed."

The newspaper continued: "Lautaro Martinez's contract with his club expires at the end of next season, and the two parties have already entered into negotiations for an extension, but it could be available for 30 million euros."

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