Barcelona are inching closer towards the signing of Jules Kounde after their last-minute attempt to hijack Chelsea’s deal proved to be successful....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Though they have not matched Chelsea’s bid of £55 million, Sevilla are ready to sell Kounde to Barca since the player himself favours a move to the Catalan city.
However, the Catalans did keep a backup plan ready if their bid for Kounde failed. Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez was eyed as Kounde’s alternative.
But since Kounde is expected to arrive at Camp Nou, Barcelona have still not completely ruled out the signing of Martinez. According to Fichajes, Barcelona plan to return for Inigo Martinez next summer.
Barcelona eye another free deal, next summer in Martinez
Martinez has reportedly been a long-term target of the Catalans, and now Xavi too highly rates the experienced center-back. Though 31, Martinez has delivered solid performances for Athletic since joining them in 2018.
The Basque club acquired the services of the defender from rivals Real Sociedad for £29 million back in 2018.
While he already had over 200 La Liga games under his belt at Sociedad, Martinez has added another 137 to it with Bilbao.
The Spain international has been rock-solid at the heart of the Athletic defense through his consistent displays. The report from Fichajes adds that Xavi has ‘promised’ the defender of signing him for Barca.
The club plans to land him next summer, when his contract with the Basque side expires. Martinez would then be available for free which could make things easy for Barcelona who already have a tough task to balance their books this summer.
Barcelona have conducting their business actively in the free market, as evident from their massive seven free transfer since last summer.
Moreover, as Kounde’s transfer looks imminent Xavi’s side will be stacked in the center-back department with the likes of Gerrard Pique, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen already available.
Barcelona however have kept their interest alive in Martinez due to the uncertain future of veteran center-back Gerrard Pique who will be 36 next summer.
The Cules will be left without adequate experience in their squad if Pique leaves next year. As a result, Barca feel Martinez could fill in the shoes of Pique if signed next term.
Barcelona will now focus on bringing another Chelsea player Cesar Azpilicueta to Camp Nou after landing Christensen for free.
