La Liga champions Barcelona are reportedly optimistic about signing 28-year-old Argentine international Lisandro Martinez from Manchester United this summer.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Lisandro Martinez is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 28-year-old Manchester United utility man has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana.

The latest report has revealed that the Catalan giants are confident of landing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner in the summer transfer window. However, while Manchester United’s official stance is that Martinez is “not for sale” this summer, they have set a price tag of €55 million on him.

How has Lisandro Martinez fared at Manchester United?

Lisandro Martinez has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester United from Ajax in a deal worth €55 million in July 2022. The Gualeguay native spent his formative years in Argentina and graduated from the youth division at Newell’s Old Boys. However, the 28-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Ajax before arriving at Old Trafford three and a half years ago.

While fitness issues have plagued Martinez during his spell with Manchester United, he has been solid in the last three and a half years. The Argentine international has made over 100 appearances for Manchester United thus far while chipping in with three goals and three assists. However, his long-term future is uncertain after entering the final 18 months of his contract, with the situation capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona.

What next?

Lisandro Martinez has been on Barcelona’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Andreas Christensen faces an uncertain future at the Catalan club heading into the summer transfer window. Additionally, Ronald Araujo has been inconsistent in recent seasons.

So, Barcelona must dip into the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, with Hansi Flick eager to sign a left-footed defender. Martinez has thus emerged as a viable target, with the latest report revealing the defending La Liga champions are “privately” confident of signing the Manchester United mainstay.

However, while Manchester United’s official stance is that Martinez is “not for sale” this summer, they have set a price tag of €55 million on him. It will be interesting to see if Barcelona will be ready to pay €55 million to sign the 28-year-old Argentine international in the summer transfer window.