Barcelona close to full verbal agreement with Spanish CB, were offered ‘unnamed’ player too

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on Barcelona’s pursuit of Inigo Martinez recently, claiming that the Catalans are on the verge of reaching a full verbal agreement with the Spaniard over a Bosman move in the summer.

Martinez, whose contract at Athletic Club expires at the end of the season, has been holding out for a move to Camp Nou for a while now and has knocked back interest from Atletico Madrid in the process.

The negotiations are currently at an advanced stage, with the salary package and every other detail sorted out. The only reason Barcelona are refraining from officiating the deal is the Financial Fair Play regulations in La Liga.

Although Martinez’s free transfer to Camp Nou should not greatly affect the club’s financial structure, the club want to take sure every risk has been considered, before officiating the move.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio has further claimed that Barcelona were offered an unnamed centre-back recently, in their bid to reinforce the ranks in the defensive department.

However, the club issued a direct response, stating that they are not interested in any other player than Inigo Martinez. The Athletic Club veteran offers abundant experience in Spanish football and could be the ideal leader at the Barça backline after the retirement of Gerard Pique.

Manchester City outcast Aymeric Laporte has been one of the names linked with a move to Barcelona lately, other than Inigo Martinez. The former Athletic Club starlet has fallen out of favour at Etihad and might have been looking for a return to Spain.

But it appears Barcelona are firm and committed to signing Martinez, who is cost-effective and should not find too much difficulty in settling into Camp Nou.