La Liga veteran remains Barcelona’s favourite option to strengthen defence – report

Barcelona are set to lock horns with Athletic Club this weekend, as they look to further extend their advantage at the top of the league table.

It will be an important game for Inigo Martinez, who has been long linked with a move to Barcelona. He was even on the verge of joining the Catalans last summer, but a move did not materialise due to his contractual obligations to Athletic Club.

But as reported by SPORT, Barcelona will be boosted in their pursuit of Inigo Martinez this summer, as his current deal at Athletic Club expires at the end of the season. The defender has not renewed yet and everything indicates he will leave as a free agent.

The report suggests Martinez remains the favourite target for Barcelona, as they look to reinforce the ranks in central defence.

The club have been looking for an experienced defensive leader for a while now and their need was accentuated following the retirement of Gerard Pique. In Martinez, the club have found an ideal centre-back, who can not only offer experience but also enhance the team’s overall defensive game.

Barcelona have targeted other options in the market, including Manchester City outcast Aymeric Laporte. But Inigo remains top of the list, due to his experience in Spanish football, coupled with his status as a free agent.

If the Financial Fair Play regulations permit, Barcelona are likely to go through with the move for Martinez. The veteran centre-back would likely compete with Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen next season, though his arrival may affect the future of Eric Garcia.

It will not come as a surprise to see the former Man City starlet leaving Camp Nou either, as he is facing internal pressure to make a conclusive decision on his future this coming summer.