Barcelona have ended their transfer interest in Athletic Club defensive star Inigo Martinez.
La Blaugrana were linked with a move for the Basque centre back as their pursuit of Jules Kounde was disrupted earlier this month.
However, after eventually securing a move for the French international, Xavi is happy with his current defensive options.
![Jules Kounde](https://icdn.football-espana.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Jules-Kounde-presentation.jpg)
Head coach Ernesto Valverde and club president Jon Uriate both spoke to Martinez to encourage him to stay in Bilbao with the club likely to demand a major transfer fee for the 31-year-old.
Athletic Club have a consistent record for demanding full purchase clauses in transfer negotiations, with Martinez’s current contract including a €80m exit option, at the Estadio San Mames.
Reports from Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona have no plan to make a move for Martinez in the coming weeks, but they could revive their interest ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, if he leaves Bilbao as a free agent.