Barcelona cool down interest in La Liga veteran due to his physical problems – report

Heading into the summer transfer window, Barcelona have seemingly set their sights on recruiting a new left-footed central defender.

And one of the names under consideration for the position is Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez. The 31-year-old star has been on Barça’s radars since last summer when a move was contemplated before Jules Kounde’s signing was completed.

Barcelona have continued to retain an interest in Martinez, while the defender himself is understood to be keen on a move to Camp Nou in the summer.

To that end, the Spanish international is reportedly prepared to turn down interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, who have already tabled a contract offer for him.

But, according to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have now cooled down their interest in Martinez owing to the centre-back’s physical problems that have persisted this season.

Indeed, Martinez has played just ten times in La Liga this season, missing a few matches with a knee issue early in the campaign. Following that, the 31-year-old did not play eight games with a problem in his heel and only made his return this past weekend against Rayo Vallecano.

Given his age and the persisting physical problems, it is only natural for Barcelona to have some reservations over a transfer despite the fact that Martinez would be arriving on a free transfer in the summer.

On top of that, the potential availability of Aymeric Laporte in the summer is also seemingly compelling Barcelona to move away from their pursuit of the Athletic Club star and focus their efforts on signing the Manchester City defender.