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New Barcelona coach closes in on his first summer signing

New Barcelona coach closes in on his first summer signing

Having been officially unveiled as the clubs new coach earlier this week, Ernesto Valverde is reportedly closing in on his first signing for Barcelona.
 
Catalan sports daily Mundo Deportivo writes that the player at the top of his current wish-list is Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez. The 26-year-old, who was nurtured in the youth ranks at the Basque side, has made over 200 first-team appearances for the club and Valverde wants him to play at the heart of his defence alongside Gerard Pique.
 
The Blaugrana will spend the summer strengthening key areas of the squad and with Argentine hardman Javier Mascherano missing large chunks of last season through injury, the new man at the helm is aware that a replacement is the top priority ahead of the new campaign.
 
The full-back positions are also cause for concern for Valverde and former Barca player now Arsenal regular Hector Bellerin is also thought to be high on the club’s wanted list.