Chelsea are reportedly showing serious interest in signing Barcelona left-sided defender Gerard Martin this summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old came through spells at EF Performance, Sant Gabriel, and Cornellá before joining Barcelona in 2023 and making his first-team debut the following year.
Martin progressed from a rotational option into a regular starter last campaign, making 51 appearances across all competitions and keeping 10 clean sheets.
The Spanish defender also contributed a solitary assist while helping Barcelona claim two La Liga titles and several domestic cup competitions over the past two seasons.
Despite Hansi Flick reportedly viewing Martin as a key player, Barcelona may be willing to sell this summer in order to balance their finances.
According to Caught Offside, the Catalan club could accept a fee of around £30m for the defender, whose current contract runs until 2028.
Chelsea face competition from AC Milan, who previously lodged a proposal worth around £17m and are now planning to improve their offer to match Barcelona’s asking price.
The departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid has left Chelsea short of genuine left-back options, with Jorrel Hato currently the primary choice in that position.
Levi Colwill can provide cover on the left side, but he is more comfortable centrally and has only recently returned from a serious knee injury.
Martin stands at 6ft 1in and is a left-footed versatile defender capable of operating at left-back or left centre-back, offering Chelsea natural cover across multiple positions.
He is described as quick, strong in the air, technically sound, and comfortable playing out from the back, making him well suited to Xabi Alonso’s possession-based system at Stamford Bridge.
At 24, Martin is not yet the finished article, but his attributes and upward trajectory suggest significant room for further development under Alonso’s management.
Chelsea are simultaneously closing in on a deal to sign Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace as the club continues to reinforce its defensive department this window.