After the Italian club shut the door on the Catalan side’s interest in Lautaro Martínez, Federico Dimarco has now become the latest player the Nerazzurri consider fundamental to their project.

According to Matteo Moretto, with the information later backed by Daniele Mari, Barcelona explored the possibility of a deal involving Alejandro Balde and Dimarco. The idea would have been to swap the two left-backs, but Inter rejected the proposal.

For the Italian club, Dimarco is not simply a player who can be used in the transfer market. He is one of their most important pieces, and for now, there is no intention of including him in any deal to bring in Balde.

Dimarco Is Not Leaving Inter

Barcelona’s interest makes plenty of sense from a sporting perspective.

Federico Dimarco has established himself as one of the most influential full-backs in Italian soccer thanks to his ability to dominate the entire left flank, create chances and constantly move into attacking positions.

His delivery, crossing ability and movement into space allow him to have an influence that goes far beyond his defensive responsibilities. That profile could fit perfectly into Hansi Flick’s team, which needs full-backs capable of constantly contributing in attack.

But the problem for Barcelona is quite simple: Inter do not want to sell him.

According to reports surrounding the potential deal, the Italian club consider the Italy international virtually untouchable, and his future could even include an improved contract after establishing himself as one of the team’s biggest stars.

Alejandro Balde Emerges as Part of the Deal

The proposal is also particularly interesting because of the inclusion of Alejandro Balde.

The Spanish full-back has lost prominence at Barcelona, and his future has generated uncertainty in recent days. Competition within the Catalan squad has complicated his situation, and the club would not rule out considering a departure if an attractive enough opportunity emerges.

Balde, a product of La Masia, has been part of Barcelona’s first team for several seasons, and his biggest strength remains his tremendous ability to break defensive lines with his speed.

Including him in a potential deal for Dimarco would have allowed Barcelona to exchange a young and explosive full-back for a much more established player with significant attacking production.

Inter, however, do not appear interested in making that swap.

Inter’s Second No to Barcelona

What makes the situation even more interesting is that this would not be the first time during this transfer window that Barcelona have encountered resistance in Milan.

The Catalan club had already shown interest in Lautaro Martínez as one of their options to strengthen the attack. However, Inter also refused to easily open the door to negotiations for their captain and attacking leader.

Now something similar is happening with Dimarco.

That position shows just how important both players are to the Nerazzurri’s project. Barcelona can ask about them and present alternatives, but Inter do not appear willing to part ways with their biggest stars simply to facilitate deals during the final days of the transfer window.

Barcelona Continue Searching for Options in the Market

The rejection over Dimarco comes at a time when Barcelona continue making moves to complete Hansi Flick’s squad.

The Catalan side have explored different opportunities in recent weeks, while Balde’s situation could also become one of the stories to follow before the transfer window closes.

For now, however, the possibility of seeing Federico Dimarco wearing Barcelona colors appears extremely complicated.

Barcelona knocked on Inter Milan’s door once again, this time even putting Alejandro Balde on the table. The answer from Italy was once again the same: their biggest stars are not for sale.

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