Report: Barcelona go to Madrid rivals for Inigo Martinez replacement

Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on an Atletico Madrid youngster in their bid to fill the void vacated by Inigo Martinez’s imminent departure to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. 

Given Barcelona's finances, it was initially reported that the LALIGA champions will not be signing a replacement after the news of Inigo Martinez's exit broke. 

However, Goal is now reporting a change in that stance, as Barcelona are now eyeing a move for 20-year-old Argentine centre-back Geronimo Spina, who plays for Atletico Madrid's second team.

According to the report, Barcelona will approach the signing as they did that of Roony Bardghi and sign Spina to Barca Athletic. However, he will then be included in first-team dynamics. 

Sporting director Deco is said to have already contacted Barghi’s representatives to discuss the possibility of a move. Should Barcelona proceed with the deal, they will be expected to pay a small compensation to Rojiblancos and give up a percentage of the players' rights on any future sales. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Inigo Martinez has agreed to a deal to join Al Nassr in the SPL. While he has a year left on his Barcelona contract, he has an agreement with the club that he would be allowed to leave on a free if he received an offer from overseas. 

Without Inigo, Hansi Flick will be left with only Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen as first-team centre-backs. The problem with those options is that Garcia already doubles as Jules Kounde’s backup up and the duo of Christensen and Araujo have dodgy injury histories. 

There have also been talks of fielding Gerrard Martin at centre-back as he did against Daegu FC in pre-season, but like Garcia, he doubles as the back-up fullback—on the left.