Barcelona defensive target already house-hunting ahead of potential summer move – Romero

Inigo Martinez of Athletic Club has been heavily rumoured to be one of Barcelona’s main transfer targets for the summer window.

The 31-year-old defender is in the final few months of his contract at the Basque club and has shown no inclination to renew. Instead, reports suggest that the centre-back has his heart set on a transfer to Barcelona.

The Catalans were keen to sign him last year as well, but pulled out of the chase after landing Jules Kounde. But they have retained their interest in the veteran star knowing that Martinez will be available for free in the summer.

Recently, reports emerged claiming that Barcelona and Martinez were very close to reaching a full agreement over a contract. It was claimed that the salary and the duration of the deal were agreed upon, with some finer details left pending.

Building on that, Gerard Romero has now hinted that a move could be imminent in the summer as he claimed that Martinez’s wife is already in Barcelona and is looking for houses in surrounding areas.

Barça have been keen on adding a new left-footed centre-back to their roster in the summer, given that Xavi Hernandez has no such option at his disposal currently.

Both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are left-footed, but are currently on loan and will likely be sold once they return in the summer.

Marcos Alonso has filled in as a makeshift centre-back this season, but the Catalans are keen on bringing in a natural in the position and Martinez, given his know-how and experience in La Liga, and his availability for free, has been identified as the top target.

Now, with reports suggesting that his wife might already be looking at residential properties in Barcelona after it was claimed that an agreement is close, a summer move could very well be on the horizon.