Barcelona have reportedly made a €15m (£12.5m) offer for Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez.
The Catalan giants have already boosted their defensive options this summer with the arrivals of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde, while Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso continue to be linked with moves to the club.
There has also recently been speculation surrounding Martinez, with Barcelona said to be interested in bringing the Spain international to Camp Nou before the end of the transfer window.
According to Sport, Xavi's side now have made a €15m (£12.5m) offer for the 31-year-old and are hopeful of convincing Athletic to sell due to the player's contract situation.
Martinez's current deal is due to expire next June, meaning that the Basque outfit run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer if he does not leave in the current market.
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Barcelona's recent acquisition of Kounde led to claims that Martinez was no longer a target, but Barcelona allegedly also want the former to arrive to boost the squad.
Martinez started his career with Real Sociedad, coming through the youth system at the club before making 238 appearances for their first team between 2011 and 2018.
The Spaniard joined Athletic in January 2018, and he has made 159 appearances for the club, contributing six goals and seven assists in the process, including 33 outings in all competitions last term.
Martinez has played 341 times in La Liga during his professional career, and while there is thought to be a €80m (£68m) release clause in his current deal, the Lions are not in a strong position to negotiate due to his contract expiring in little under 11 months.
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Barcelona midfielder Pedri recently talked up Martinez's possible arrival at Camp Nou, branding his international teammate "a magnificent player".
"Inigo is a magnificent player, I've played with him in the national team, I hope it can happen," the midfielder told Marca when questioned on a possible switch.
Barcelona have already signed Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Kounde during this summer's transfer window.
Oscar Mingueza has recently moved on, joining Celta Vigo after being told that he was surplus to requirements at Camp Nou, while Samuel Umtiti is expected to depart in the coming weeks.
There has also been speculation surrounding the future of Gerard Pique, with the 35-year-old likely to find it difficult to secure regular action next season due to the competition for spots.
Matt Law
