Barcelona are reportedly lining up a summer move for Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is valued at €25 million by Ajax.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to sign Lisandro Martinez in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old, valued at €25 million by Ajax, is seen as the ideal signing for the left-sided centre-back role at Camp Nou.
Lisandro Martinez arrived in Europe in the summer of 2019 when he joined Ajax from Defensa y Justicia. Since then, he has grown into a key figure for the Dutch giants and has grown into his role of being a mainstay at the back this season. The Argentine defender started 24 of the last 25 games in all competitions this term for de Godenzonen and is now a regular fixture in defence.
His progress in the second half of the season has been duly noted by one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is being mooted that a summer move could be in the offing. This suitor is none other than Barcelona, who are keen on signing a left-footed centre-back.
The Blaugrana are set to complete the signing of Eric Garcia soon, but are keen on adding a second centre-back in the summer transfer window – one who is left-footed. And, this eagerness is hardly unfounded, considering Samuel Umtiti hardly manages to impress in the rare appearances he makes for Barcelona while Clement Lenglet has endured a steep decline this season.
In fact, the French duo are now being linked with a possible summer exit, thereby necessitating the need for a left-footed central defender. To that end, Barcelona have been linked with a possible move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres, although it will be interesting to see how they can afford his transfer fee amid their financial woes.
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As a result, the interest in Martinez makes a great deal of sense, seeing as Ajax are unlikely to charge a premium in exchange for his services, owing to their good working relationship with Barcelona. In fact, the Argentine international is valued at just €25 million, which could be in the affordable region for the Catalan outfit.
In addition, it has also been suggested that Barcelona could include a player in the deal to sign the 23-year-old in order to bring down his €25 million valuation. What now remains to be seen is if Barcelona do launch the offensive for Martinez this summer, or if they turn their attention to some other defender.
