The World Cup winner and European champion is much sought-after on the continent, but the Catalans have made him their top target after snapping up Jordi Alba.Javi Martinez is a man in demand. Last summer, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder captained Spain's under-21 side to European Championship success in Denmark and then signed a new contract to stay at San Mames until 2016. This summer, following more continental cheer with La Roja's senior side at Euro 2012, he now seems unlikely to fulfill it.A host of clubs have looked at and been linked with the 23-year-old World Cup winner, but Barcelona have moved ahead of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and the rest as they look to add another Spanish international to their ranks. The Catalan club, however, have earmarked Martinez as an all-purpose acquisition. Should he arrive at Camp Nou, the Spain star will likely operate in both defence and midfield. Two for the price of one.
Perhaps that is why the Blaugrana are prepared to make an exception to their frugal spending strategy. Barca president Sandro Rosell recently claimed the club coffers for summer signings totalled €40 million. But Javi costs that alone - after his release clause was set at that figure last summer - and Barca have already splashed €14m on Valencia left-back Jordi Alba.
However, Rosell revealed that the Catalans could delve into next year's funds if special circumstances called for an additional outlay. Now they do. Barca's failure to bring in back-up for captain Carles Puyol last summer proved costly. Puyol suffered again with injuries in 2011-12, while Gerard Pique struggled for fitness and form. Midfielders Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets, meanwhile, were shown up on occasions when asked to fill in at the back, and Eric Abidal is still sidelined following his liver transplant.