Barcelona are close to agreeing personal terms with Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez over a proposed free transfer this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Catalans have long been linked with the 31-year-old centre-back as they seek for fresh leadership in their back line to replace Gerard Pique. Martinez is a high-quality player and signing him for free would certainly represent a fantastic move for any club, but things aren’t quite so straightforward when Barcelona are concerned.

The five-time European champions are struggling to abide by La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules, and the developments on that front are expected have an impact on every potential signing they might make a move for this year. For example, they were recently prevented from handing out a professional contract to Gavi, and as a result, the in-demand 18-year-old midfielder might leave the club as free agent at the end of the season.

Be that as it may, it seems Barcelona are conducting their transfer activities by getting everything else sorted, before tackling the FFP issues.

Barcelona are really close to full verbal agreement with Iñigo Martínez as free agent as reported by Spanish media 🔵🔴 #FCB

Barça turned down other options to give priority to Iñigo deal, 90% agreed — but deal depends on Financial Fair Play.

🎥 https://t.co/5R9Hy5GeNq pic.twitter.com/Lb0vSSo708

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2023