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„Marca“ reports that „Barcelona“ is very interested in acquiring Bilbao „Athletic“ veteran Inigo Martinez. It is reported that „Barca“ will soon start negotiations for the 31-year-old central defender. It is believed that the Spaniard himself would like to join the Catalans, as it could be his last opportunity in his career to sign a big contract. However, the situation is a bit complicated. Although the defender's contract with „Bilbao“ still has one year left, there is an 80 million euro release clause in his contract, and the „Athletic“ club is not willing to sell the player for less than 50 million euros. Bilbao's priority is to extend Martinez's contract, but if the Spaniard categorically rejects this opportunity, the club will be open to negotiations with „Barca“. Inigo Martinez has played 158 matches for the „Athletic“ team, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists during that time.
