Lazio’s chase of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has hit a roadblock as European giants Barcelona have now opened talks with the Dutch club.
According to a report from Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.com earlier today, the 23-year-old Argentinian defender is one of the most sought-after young talents in European football currently, with Roma, PSG, the Biancocelesti and now Barcelona all keen on acquiring the left-footed centre back.
MORE: Lazio Following Multiple Defenders Including Ajax’s Martinez & RKC Waalwijk’s Touba
Ajax understand that it’ll be impossible to keep Martinez now, and so have set a €20 million price tag on the 23-year-old defender, if not more.
Lazio opened talks with Ajax for Martinez last season in secrecy, even before their attempts to sign then-Hellas Verona defender Marash Kumbulla, but nothing came of it as the Dutch side did not want to lose the player.
MORE: Lazio Keen to Replace Strakosha With Reliable Benevento Goalkeeper This Summer
Barcelona have now opened talks with the Eredivisie giants, looking to understand the cost of the deal and the possibility of starting negotiations in the coming weeks.
With the situation now different, if Lazio hope to sign the 23-year-old Martinez then the key requirement is to achieve qualification to the Champions League again this season.