Barcelona inform Spanish defender they will make a move in the summer but it depends on LaLiga rules - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly still interested in Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez. However, the Blaugrana are set to wait for clarity on La Liga's rules before making a move for the defender.
According to RAC1 journalist Ferran Correas (via Reshad Rahman on Twitter), the Catalan giants have informed Martinez's camp about their interest. The player, who has offers from other clubs, has also set aside Xavi Hernandez's side as his preferred destination.
The aforementioned source read:
"Barcelona is still very much interested in Iñigo Martinez. They’ve told his camp about their interest; but also affirmed that everything depends on fair play. Other clubs have also contacted the player, but he prefers to wait for Barça."
) Barcelona is still very much interested in Iñigo Martinez. They’ve told his camp about their interest; but also affirmed that everything depends on fair play. Other clubs have also contacted the player, but he prefers to wait for Barça. @ferrancorreas #Transfers 
(🌕) Barcelona is still very much interested in Iñigo Martinez. They’ve told his camp about their interest; but also affirmed that everything depends on fair play. Other clubs have also contacted the player, but he prefers to wait for Barça. @ferrancorreas #Transfers 🇪🇸🚨
It is worth noting that the Blaugrana are still facing financial issues despite pulling multiple 'economic levers' last summer. While those levers helped them do business in the summer, they endured an extremely silent winter transfer window last month.
Barcelona's only pieces of business saw Hector Bellerin join Sporting CP and Memphis Depay move to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid. They tried to bring in Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy, but could not finalize the paperwork for the deal prior to the deadline on January 31.
Inigo Martinez could add depth to Barcelona's central defense
Inigo Martinez, 31, represents a player with plenty of La Liga experience. He has spent his entire playing career in Spain, first turning out for Real Sociedad between 2011 and 2018 before joining his current club Athletic Bilbao.
In that time, Martinez has made 408 senior appearances across all competitions, contributing 24 goals and 15 assists. The centre-back has also won 19 caps for Spain, scoring and assisting once apiece.
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Bigendun eta lortu dou. ENORME TALDI TA AFIZIÑOI! 🙌🏼🔴⚪️
Lo necesitábamos y lo hicimos. ENORME EQUIPO Y AFICIÓN! 🏟️🦁 https://t.co/bIolStdBan
His contract with Bilbao notably runs out in the summer, which has prompted links with numerous clubs. Barcelona could benefit from signing the centre-back as he would offer depth to their defense.
The Blaugrana's current first-choice central defensive duo consists of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, who are in excellent form. However, the team struggled when the duo missed time due to injury, with Marcos Alonso struggling to fill in adequately.
Signing Martinez would allow Barcelona to deploy Alonso largely at left-back and only occasionally at the heart of the defense. He would also bring a wealth of experience to the team as they aim to compete for multiple titles.