Just days after signing Jules Kounde from Sevilla, Barcelona appear to have kickstarted their quest to bring in another top-quality centre-back in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Inigo Martinez has emerged as the desired choice for Xavi Hernandez due to his experience in La Liga, coupled with the leadership qualities he brings to the table.
Martinez does indeed have close to 350 La Liga appearances to his belt. It could come in handy for Barcelona next season, especially with uncertainty looming over the future of the ageing Gerard Pique.
Nevertheless, in an attempt to sign the Athletic Club defender, Barcelona have recently lodged an offer of around €15 million. It was swiftly rejected by the Basque outfit, who are holding out for much more, reports Diario SPORT.
Martinez, after all, reportedly has a release clause worth around €80 million. But Barcelona have no intention to go that high, especially given the fact that the defender’s contract expires at the end of next season.
It essentially means the Spaniard will be available on a free transfer in 2023. Barça may even sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January, thus giving them the opportunity to sign an experienced centre-back on a cut-price deal.
There is no doubt that Martinez himself fancies a move to Barcelona. He may even entertain the idea of running his contract out at Athletic Club in order to save the Catalans millions in the form of transfer fees.
The 31-year-old has no intention to extend his contract at Athletic, though it remains to be seen whether the Spanish giants make a renewed attempt to keep hold of the Spanish international in the coming days.