Inter Bid to Extend Lautaro Martinez Contract Hindered by Lack of Funds

Lautaro Martinez’s long-rumored contract extension at Inter is steadily turning into a soap opera without a clear resolution on the horizon. After months of false optimism and Beppe Marotta’s relentless effort to calm fans’ nerves, everything’s still at square one. 

The parties are no closer to finding an agreement. Adding insult to injury is Calciomercato’s recent assessment of Martinez’s contractual situation at Giuseppe Meazza. For his part, the Capocannoniere-elected winner has never hidden his love for Inter and ambition to pledge his future to the club. 

However, the financial aspect of the deal remains a sticking point. As much as the Inter hierarchy tries to throw it under the rug, a lack of funds remains the elephant in the room. And it could ultimately be the detriment of their restless attempts to tie their high-performing captain down to a new long-term contract.

Martinez’s current deal expires in 2026. But Inter don’t want to waste more time as they hope to close negotiations on short notice. By the looks of things, it’s a pipe dream. The situation is complex, with a tight budget continuing to throw a spanner in the works despite a mutual desire to maintain their prolific relationship. 

Inter can’t go beyond €8 million, including bonuses. Yet, Martinez aims for an eye-watering €12m. A €4m discrepancy could be the decisive factor in determining the Argentine’s future, with extension talks hitting a standstill at the worst possible moment. 

As the summer transfer window sits around the corner, a sense of apprehension starts to spread among the Inter faithful.