Real Madrid are under pressure to get their recruitment right this summer and that should mean battling Barcelona for a Manchester United star. A rebuild is expected to take place and several areas of the team will be addressed.
A new midfielder looks to be on the cards and reports claim that Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha is at the top of Florentino Perez's wishlist. But defense also needs sorting out amid an injury crisis that has kept the likes of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao on the sidelines.
One option is Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate who is set to become a free agent this summer. But the Frenchman hasn't been at his best unlike a United defender who is starring under Michael Carrick.
Madrid must swoop for Barcelona target
Lisandro Martinez has been a rock in defense for United since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. The Argentine defender has made 13 appearances in the league and only been on the losing side on one occasion.
The 28-year-old was particularly impressive in the Red Devils' 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. He made 103 passes, more than any player in a Premier League game this season.
Martinez's inspired form hasn't gone unnoticed by Barca who are reportedly keen on bringing the 2022 World Cup winner to Camp Nou. A report from CaughtOffside claims that the player could be open to joining the Catalans.
Madrid need to take action if there is an opportunity to sign the former Ajax man. He fits the bill for Los Blancos with his aggressive style alongside his phenomenal ball-playing abilities.
Martinez has just over a year left on his contract which makes this summer an important one regarding his future. He has just returned from injury but needed no time getting back to his best.
Real Madrid have previously been keen
Martinez, dubbed 'world class' by United in Focus, has been on the club's radar in the past and he was reportedly being eyed up by the Spanish giants in late 2024. It was claimed that the Argentine and Diogo Dalot were of interest to Los Blancos.
Dalot has reportedly re-emerged as a target heading into the summer amid concerns over Carvajal's future. His contract expires at the end of the season and recurring injury issues have been problematic.
Martinez has shown he has the ability to thrive in one of Europe's top five leagues and could suit the style of La Liga football. A left-footed center-back should be a priority given Rudiger might depart when his contract expires and Alaba is already headed for the exit door.