Lautaro Martinez lays down his demands! Inter striker wants big pay rise as contract extension talks drag on

Martinez is seeking from Inter a basic annual salary of €10 million (£9m/11m) in order to sign a new contract until 2028, Gazzetta dello Sportreports, with his current deal expiring in 2026. Add-ons and bonuses would then come on top of that amount. Inter are conversely thought to be offering €10m in total, an €8m (£7m/$9m) basic rate topped up by €2m worth of extras. Meanwhile, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has publicly expressed optimism about reaching a deal in due course.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ausilio said: "Lautaro said that we shouldn't worry about the renewal? If he said it, I don't see why I shouldn't confirm it. On both sides, we want to extend this relationship. It is normal that there is a negotiation underway and that, as in all things, a bit of patience is needed. I am sure that in the end an agreement will be reached that will satisfy both parties. This is what we want."

Martinez is the jewel in Inter's crown. Having been with the club since the age of 20 when he arrived in Europe from his native Argentina, the striker has exceeded 20 goals in all competitions in four of the last five seasons - including the current one. So far in 2023-24, it's 19 goals in 20 Serie A games and 22 across all competitions, putting him in contention for the European Golden Shoe with Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. Martinez was even made club captain last summer, so it is understandable why Inter are keen to secure his long-term future but also why other clubs might start to take interest if no agreement is reached. In that respect, Chelsea and Real Madrid were linked last summer.

Martinez has scored 124 goals for Inter to date, which at the age of just 26 already puts him joint-eighth on the club's list of all-time top scorers next to fellow Argentine Mauro Icardi. Giuseppe Meazza, for whom the San Siro is alternatively named, has led the way since 1947 with 287.

Leading the way in Serie A this season, Inter are hunting just their second league title since 2010. Going into the weekend fixtures, the Nerazzurri hold a four-point lead over Juventus following a crucial win against their historic rivals last week, but have played a game more. Keeping that cushion as they tick off the remaining games is the aim. The Champions League also resumes this month with the start of a two-legged last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid.