Latest reports in Italy claim Chelsea are ready to battle Barcelona for Inter striker Lautaro Martinez but the Blaugrana could use Arturo Vidal to lower the fee.

The Argentina international hitman has a release clause worth €111m in his contract, valid only for the first two weeks of July.

Spanish newspaper Sport today claims that Chelsea are prepared to pay the full sum, giving Barcelona a genuine rival in the bidding war.

It would then go to personal terms, but the same report assures Barca are confident of their upper hand for several reasons.

According to Football Italia, Lautaro Martinez has long been publicly courted by the Blaugrana, who see him as the heir to Luis Suarez, and he’d see them as the natural next step in his career after Inter.

Mundo Deportivo point out that Barcelona also have a player wanted desperately by Inter boss Antonio Conte – Vidal – who could take part in an exchange deal.

They’d offer Chile international midfielder Vidal plus €69.5m.

Lautaro Martinez is still only 22 years old and scored 16 goals in 31 competitive games this season, including five in six Champions League appearances.