Manchester City eyeing up Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez
Published:
Manchester City are reportedly ready to make a move for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez.
The 26-year-old has been a long-term target of Pep Guardiola with a summer move failing to come to fruition.
But with John Stones out injured until the early New Year, defensive reinforcements are an absolute necessity.
Unfortunately, Guardiola cannot afford to rely on the brilliant-but-unreliable Vincent Kompany. The City captain has a horrendous injury record and must be managed carefully.
With Nicolas Otamendi the only fit centre-back in the squad, a new signing is imperative. That’s in addition to Fabian Delph already covering for the injured Benjamin Mendy at left-back.
We think Martinez would be an excellent buy, too. The Basque-born Spanish international has long been tagged as one of the most solid defenders in La Liga.
Quick and good in the air, Martinez is excellent at carrying the ball out of defence. He’s also not averse to getting stuck in when needed, too.
A left-footer, Martinez would provide useful balance with Otamendi naturally playing on the right side of the defence.
Guardiola is said to be a long-term admirer of the La Real stalwart and will now try to tie up a deal for him quickly.
Martinez is contracted to the San Sebastian outfit until the summer 2021 so City will likely have to stump up around £20m.
Games will come thick and fast over the Christmas period and the Champions League knockout phase beginning in the New Year.
A central defensive four of Stones, Kompany, Otamendi, and Martinez would be one of the soundest defensive units across Europe.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
