Barcelona Open to £30m Sale of Gerard Martin as Chelsea and AC Milan Lead Transfer Chase
The Spanish defender has drawn interest from Stamford Bridge and San Siro following impressive performances under Hansi Flick.
Stamford Bridge and San Siro have emerged as the primary destinations for Barcelona defender Gerard Martin, with both Chelsea and AC Milan actively weighing moves for the 24-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Despite head coach Hansi Flick considering the versatile back an integral component of his squad, the Catalan club’s ongoing financial balance requirements could prompt a departure if their £30 million valuation is satisfied.
AC Milan have already taken active steps in their pursuit, having previously submitted an initial proposal valued at £17 million. That opening bid was turned down, but according to transfer developments monitored by Sky Sports, the Italian club is preparing an improved offer designed to match Barcelona’s asking price.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid a tactical retooling in West London. The recent departure of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid leaves Jorrel Hato as the primary natural left-back in the squad. While Levi Colwill can provide defensive coverage out wide, he remains primarily a central defender and is returning from a serious knee injury.
Martin offers significant versatility as a 6ft 1in left-footed defender capable of playing both at left-back and left-sided central defense. His aerial strength, technical proficiency on the ball, and comfort in building play from the back make him a natural target for Xabi Alonso‘s possession-oriented system at Stamford Bridge. Modern European tactical trends have increasingly prioritized left-footed defenders with dual-position capability to maintain build-up fluidity against aggressive pressing structures.
Financially, Barcelona remain constrained by La Liga salary cap regulations and financial fair play mandates, making player sales an essential mechanism for balancing books. Martin joined the Blaugrana in 2023 after progressing through youth and senior ranks at EF Performance, Sant Gabriel, and Cornellá, before making his first-team debut in 2024. Under contract at Camp Nou until 2028, his sale would yield significant financial return relative to his initial acquisition cost.
In 51 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, Martin has registered one assist and contributed to 10 clean sheets, helping the team secure two La Liga titles alongside domestic cup silverware.
Alongside their interest in Martin, Chelsea are also nearing a deal to bring Crystal Palace central defender Maxence Lacroix to Stamford Bridge to strengthen their backline options.
