Milan Take Barcelona Man Under Consideration to Strengthen Backline

Serie A runners-up Milan have added Barcelona misfit Inigo Martinez to their list of defensive targets ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Mundo Deportivo (via Radio Rossonera), the Italians could launch an assault on the veteran Spaniard in the coming weeks.

Formerly targeted by Inter, Martinez joined Barcelona as a free agent last summer but struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities at Camp Nou. The former Athletic Bilbao defender made just 13 La Liga starts this past season and is already reconsidering his options. Milan could provide one.

Milan would only embark on this mission if they sold Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman’s status at San Siro is no longer as rock-solid as it used to be last summer. He delivered a mixed bag of performances in 2023/24, and the Rossoneri could listen to offers for the ex-Chelsea center-back. Newcastle United are in the mix.

After brokering Sandro Tonali’s switch to St James’ Park a year ago, the Magpies are contemplating doing another piece of business with Milan. Though Tonali’s move hasn’t panned out as expected due to the midfielder’s notorious gambling problems, Eddie Howe’s men are still willing to ‘bet’ heavily on another Milan star.

It would take around €50-60 million to convince Milan to sanction the deal. But backed by the wealthy Saudi owners, Newcastle won’t faze much about the Italians’ requests. Tomori’s potential transfer would open the door to Martinez, who could be available at a bargain price.

He only has 12 months left to run on his contract at Barcelona, with the club reluctant to stand in his way if he decides to leave. But it’s worth noting he’d be only a short-term solution for Milan, who have yet to replace Simon Kjaer. They’ve already passed on an opportunity to sign Mats Hummels.