Barcelona were linked with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez for most of last summer, but they just didn’t have the money to make it happen and he stayed in Serie A to have a successful season.

It was almost inevitable that those links would start up again, and it could be a fascinating all-Argentine front three if he could be deployed alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.

Again money does look like a serious issue here, but a report from Sport has indicated that the interest is still there and there may be a slight chance of something happening.

Circumstances do go into Barca’s favour this time around as his contract is up in 2023 so that’s a concerning situation for Inter, while the actual asking price could be lower than it was last year.

The main x-factor in any potential transfer is Emerson Royal, and it’s going to depend on Achraf Hakimi and if he does make an expected move to either PSG or Chelsea this summer.

It’s claimed that Emerson is seen by Inter as the ideal replacement so that would open up the potential of a swap deal, but unless they have interest in any other Barca players then the Catalan side will still need to stump up a serious amount of money.

It looks unlikely, but it’s one to keep an eye on if Hakimi does move on.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Luka Doncic hits game-winning three-pointer as Mavs take 2-0 lead over Wolves
Rangers outlast Panthers in Game 2 to even series
Yankees star Juan Soto has eyebrow-raising comments on upcoming free agency
Bears defender shares advice he gave QB Caleb Williams after 'frustrating' day
NCAA settlement might make college athletics more competitive
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers insists focus has been football, not politics
Heartbreak for Heim, Honeycutt as Sanchez wins Truck Series race at Charlotte
Draymond Green shares tone-deaf take on fines from NBA
USWNT coach Emma Hayes instilling right mindset ahead of Olympics
Winnipeg Jets officially name head coach
Injury bug bites Orioles again as another starting pitcher lands on IL
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner under fire over Juan Soto comments
Lonzo Ball shares eye-opening details about his knee injury
Hurricanes general manager steps down, leaving front office in flux
Travis Kelce echoes Patrick Mahomes in response to controversial kicker
Cowboys QB Trey Lance details how he has changed since 49ers stint
Historic NCAA settlement reached allowing schools to pay players
Celtics dominate Pacers in Game 2, take 2-0 ECF lead
Cavaliers fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff
Connor McDavid's 2OT goal gives Oilers win over Stars in Game 1