These are uncertain times for Barcelona, as far as the market is concerned. The club are facing immense pressure to reduce their salary mass in order to avoid Financial Fair Play regulations in the coming season.
However, that has not deterred the club management from preparing for the season ahead. In fact, they have already made positive strides in the pursuit of midfield target Ilkay Gundogan.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalans are set for a massive boost in their pursuit of another top target in the form of Inigo Martinez.
This is because Athletic Club are increasingly losing hope of keeping hold of the veteran defender, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The renewal efforts from the club’s end are almost on the brink of collapse.
The Basque club are increasingly coming to the terms with the idea of seeing Martinez depart San Mames on a free transfer this summer, with Barcelona emerging as the likely destination.
Barça were linked with a move for Martinez last summer as well, but a move did not materialise due to the player’s contractual obligations.
Even Athletic Club had approached the player over a renewal, but their proposal of added incentive and no change in salary was not lucrative enough for the defender.
The road, therefore, is clear for Barcelona as they look to snap up the veteran on a free transfer at the end of the season. But it must be noted that the Blaugrana could face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid – the latest entrant in the race.
The Spanish giants may have a chance of signing Inigo given that Barcelona do not consider the acquisition of a new central defender essential. They are expected to pounce on a market opportunity but are not necessarily desperate for it.
It means Atleti have a possibility of signing Inigo Martinez if Barcelona face economic problems and fail to reduce enough salary mass to accommodate the Spanish international this summer.
