Barcelona give up hopes of Neymar return, Lautaro Martinez pursuit ends too: Report

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Neymar harbours a dream return to Barcelona, having left LaLiga giants in 2017. However, his transfer to Barcelona this transfer window has been ruled out by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, citing financial losses suffered by Catalan outfit due to coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdown.

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Bartomeu rules out Neymar transfer 

Bartomeu has ruled out Neymar transfer rumours this summer while speaking to Catalan Daily Sport. president has cited financial restraints for Barcelona’s backtracking on re-signing Brazil international. club’s expenditure coupled with a hefty w bill has been cited as major reason for giving up on pursuit of signing Neymar, by president. Bartomeu asserted that Barcelona attempted its best to rope in winger last summer, but failed. 

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Barcelona halt Lautaro Martinez transfer talks 

Barcelona president has also clarified that it won't be attempting to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez this transfer window. Italian giants have been undeterred with ir demand of €100 million to sign Argentina international. Bartomeu confirmed that current financial condition "does t lend itself to big investments."

Lautaro Martinez was touted as ideal striker to replace ing Luis Suarez. Uruguayan forward reportedly welcomed potential signing of 22-year-old Inter Milan forward. But, some reports also claimed that Barcelona captain Lionel Messi preferred Neymar over Lautaro Martinez if eir of two were to sign for LaLiga giants. 

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Barcelona president speaks on Messi 

Bartomeu hasn't been on best of terms with Messi over course of this season, with frequent rumours of Argentine's departure from club. However, Barcelona president tried to rubbish off conflicts with six-time Ballon d'Or winner, stating that Messi still has three to four years to play at top level. He also described youngster Ansu Fati as 'essential for future of club.'

Despite losing out LaLiga title to Real Mrid, Barcelona have an opportunity to mend ir season with a victory in UCL. Catalan giants look to clinch UCL title, having last won silverware in 2015. Barcelona will host Napoli in second leg of competition's round of 16 on August 8, with first leg ending in a 1-1 draw. 

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Im courtesy: PSG Twitter/Lautaro Martinez Instagram