Athletico Madrid have reportedly tabled a contract offer for Athletic Club’s defender Inigo Martinez, who is also a top priority center back target for Barcelona.
Share:Barcelona have set their sights on Athletic Club’s experienced defender, Inigo Martinez, who is set to become a free agent in the summer transfer window. Despite this, the Catalan giants are likely to face stiff competition from their La Liga rivals, Atletico Madrid, in their pursuit of the veteran star.
According to
, Atletico Madrid have already made a contract offer to Martinez, indicating their desire to beat Barcelona to his signature at the end of the season.
Barcelona opted not to sign a center-back in January after the retirement of Gerard Pique, leaving them short on defensive options. With growing concerns over the form and quality of Eric Garcia, the Blaugrana are now looking to bolster their defensive line with a new central defender.
Reports suggest that a left-footed center-back is high on the agenda at Camp Nou, with Martinez among the top candidates being considered by the La Liga leaders. The 31-year-old has been on Barcelona’s radar since last summer, although the move failed to materialize as they were able to secure the services of Jules Kounde instead.
Despite this setback, Barcelona have continued to keep tabs on Martinez, who is also attracting interest from Italian giants, Inter Milan.
However, it appears that Atletico Madrid has now thrown their hat into the ring, making an offer to the Spaniard in a bid to beat Barcelona to his signature.
Despite interest from multiple clubs, reports suggest that Martinez is prioritizing a move to Barcelona and is waiting for the Catalans to make a decision before considering other offers.
It remains to be seen which club will eventually secure the services of the experienced defender, but the battle between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is likely to intensify as the summer transfer window approaches.