Transfer promise: Barcelona to pursue La Liga centre-back in the summer

Inigo Martinez is set to become one of the most sought-after assets in the Spanish market this coming summer, as the defender is set to run down his contract at Athletic Club at the end of the season.

Athletic Club’s attempts to convince Martinez to sign a contract extension have come to a dead-end, effectively paving the way for suitors such as Barcelona to make a move once the season ends.

It must be noted that one of the key reasons Martinez chose to run down his contract at Athletic Club was a transfer promise from Barça. The Catalans had indeed been courting the veteran defender for a long time and had vowed to make a move for him on a free transfer.

With that in mind, a fresh report from Diario SPORT now suggests that Barcelona seek to fulfil the promise and continue to prioritise a move for Inigo Martinez in the coming summer.

However, the Catalans are not in a position to guarantee a transfer. This is because of the club’s uncertain economic situation and their altercations with the Financial Fair Play regulations. Therefore, it is too early to predict whether or not they will be able to make the economic space for Inigo.

The club’s priority is to register the contract of Ronald Araujo and hand out deals to Inaki Pena and Alejandro Balde. After that, they are set to go after a striker and a right-back. If they have enough provision for a centre-back, the club will set their sights on Inigo.

Although recent reports have linked Barça to a move for Aymeric Laporte, the club are determined to sign the veteran Spaniard. The player himself is holding out for a move to Camp Nou despite receiving offers from other clubs.

Atletico Madrid are said to be one of the clubs interested in his services. But their fate in the pursuit of Inigo Martinez will depend on whether or not Barcelona manage to sort out their finances this coming summer.