Barcelona are close to agreeing personal terms with Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez over a free transfer offer this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Catalans have long been linked with the 31-year-old centre-back as they look for a new front-line leader to replace Gerard Piqué. Martinez is a top-notch player and signing him for free would certainly be a fantastic move for any club, but in the case of Barcelona, things are not so simple.
The five-time European champions are struggling to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play rules and developments on that front are expected to impact every potential signing they may make this year. For example, they were recently prevented from giving Gavi a professional contract, leaving the in-demand 18-year-old midfielder to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
Be that as it may, it seems that Barcelona conducts their transfer activity, sorting out everything else before solving problems with the FFP.
Barcelona are really close to a full verbal agreement with Íñigo Martinez as a free agent, according to Spanish media 🔵🔴 #FCB
Barça have rejected other options to prioritize a deal with Íñigo, 90% agreed, but the deal is subject to financial fair play.
🎥 https://t.co/5R9Hy5GeNq pic.twitter.com/Lb0vSSo708
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2023
