Despite the recent capture of Jules Kounde, Barcelona are not done with their transfer market activity just yet, even in the defensive department.
According to a report from Diario SPORT, the club are actively trying to convince Inigo Martinez to join Camp Nou. But they are not too keen on signing him in the ongoing summer transfer window and have, instead, asked him to wait around for a year.
Barça are aware that Martinez’s contract at Athletic Club expires after the end of the next season. As such, they will be in a position to sign him on a free transfer in 2023.
Athletic Club, though, are determined to avoid such a situation. They are trying to get him to renew his contract at the club, though the player has rejected their proposals so far.
On Wednesday, Athletic Club are expected to hold an important meeting with Inigo Martinez over his future at the club. There is no secret that the defender is being tempted to move to Barcelona, and it is unlikely his club will look to make any more efforts if the player rejects any further proposals.
It should pave the way for Barcelona to wrap up him on a free transfer. It has been a key trait in the club’s market activity in recent years, though the club have spent a fortune on their recent signings including Kounde and Robert Lewandowski, among a few others
Nevertheless, Inigo Martinez’s addition to the club could further strengthen Barça’s defensive line, especially with Gerard Pique facing an uncertain future at the club.
But with Athletic Club keen on keeping hold of the defender’s services, it will be interesting to see how things transpire over the coming weeks
