Barcelona interested in Inigo Martinez

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly weighing up the prospect of securing the services of 30-year-old Spanish international Inigo Martinez.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Inigo Martinez is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible move in the summer transfer window. But the 30-year-old Spanish international is unlikely to arrive at Camp Nou, with Athletic Club keen on keeping hold of him.

Inigo Martinez has been one of the most dependable defenders in La Liga for the better part of the past decade. The experienced centre-back has been a mainstay at the back for two Basque clubs in this period, first making a name for himself at Real Sociedad before going from strength to strength at Athletic Club following his move in July 2018.

The 30-year-old, a regular for the Spanish national side, has turned out 157 times for Athletic Club, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists. But Martinez’s contract situation has left the Basque outfit in a spot of bother, with his deal expiring next year. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.

Barcelona will likely look to sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Gerard Pique in the twilight of his career. In addition, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza could leave Barcelona ahead of the 2022/23 season, with the Blaugrana reportedly deeming the trio surplus to requirements.

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So Xavi Hernandez needs a new centre-back to compete with Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia, with Kalidou Koulibaly recently emerging as a viable target. But Barcelona will reportedly face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the Napoli defender, meaning they need to keep their options open.

Inigo Martinez has thus emerged as a viable alternative for Barcelona, with the 30-year-old Spanish international also bringing a decade’s worth of experience in La Liga to the table. But a move for Martinez seems unlikely, with Athletic Club keen on keeping hold of their prized asset beyond the summer transfer window.

Martinez is also committed to the Basque outfit and may sign a new contract in the coming weeks. So unless Barcelona can submit a substantial offer, which seems unlikely, the 30-year-old will stay put at San Mames beyond the summer transfer window.