Manchester City are well on their way to the Premier League title this season, having dropped just four points all campaign. Pep Guardiola, however, is still not totally convinced about the squad at his disposal and is desperate for a couple of additions, in the January transfer window.
The window is now open and the rumours are coming in thick and fast but one player Manchester City have retained their interest in, from the summer, is La Liga star Inigo Martinez.
Transfer Story:
A transfer target for Barcelona in the summer and in January, Martinez is easily one of the most secure CBs in La Liga at the moment and has been in superb form for Real Sociedad this season. Reports from Spain now claim that Manchester City are growing desperate for his signature and that he could be sold if his release clause of £28.5m is met.
His form will see Sociedad not let him leave for anything less than his valuation but is he a decent option for City?
Martinez And His Style Of Play:
A centre-half by trait, the 26-year old is an established star with 206 La Liga appearances, including 10 this season. He also has four national caps with Spain and is constantly knocking on the door of the first team of his country.
Known for his ability with the ball at his feet, the Sociedad academy graduate is a threat during set-piece situations in the final third and is an imposing figure in his own box. He is dominating in the air and is always ahead of the game, which allows him to make interceptions in crucial times.
He is hardly found out of position and has got the better of the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez, in his time in La Liga and is a player, who will fit into Manchester City’s squad with ease. He may not be the popular name City fans are hoping for but has enough potential to turn into a star in the future.
Chances at the Etihad:
With Vincent Kompany unable to keep himself fit regularly, Guardiola has not been able to field his first choice CB partnership this season constantly. Argentine star Nicolas Otamendi has hardly put a foot wrong this season and remains the first choice for the manager at the back but there is no particular name in the first team, that has cemented a place beside him under the Spanish manager.
So it does not come as a surprise that he is desperate for a defender and Martinez is a decent option. The likes of John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala have not had too many problems either but lack of confidence and form might see them struggle in the business end of the season, a problem Martinez can solve.
He may not be able to walk into the first team and might need time to get used to the English conditions but his attributes are perfect for the style of play in the Premier League, more so for Guardiola. So, at less than £30m, signing one of the best CBs in La Liga, who is yet to reach his prime, is a deal City cannot afford to miss.
