Racing Santander open talks for Genoa left-back Aarón Martín

Racing Santander are in talks over a move for Genoa left-back Aarón Martín as they look to strengthen a position that has become a priority in the final days of the transfer window.

The Spanish club have opened negotiations for the 29-year-old, who is under contract with Genoa until June 2027 and has yet to feature this season.

Racing sporting director Chema Aragón is leading the discussions, with Martín identified as one of the club’s main options on the left side of defence.

The interest comes after Mario García’s departure and amid continuing uncertainty over Jorge Salinas, whose future has also attracted attention from other Spanish clubs.

Martín’s situation at Genoa has created an opportunity.

The former Espanyol, Mainz and Celta defender has seen his role reduced following changes to the Italian club’s squad and is attracting interest from several teams as the window approaches its final stage.

Racing are not alone in monitoring him.

Deportivo Alavés and Rayo Vallecano have also been linked with the player in Spain, while Mainz have been mentioned as a possible destination in Germany. Italian reports have also noted interest from Serie A clubs.

That competition means Racing’s negotiations should not yet be interpreted as a deal close to completion.

There is no confirmed agreement between Racing and Genoa, and no indication that personal terms have been finalised.

The player’s contract situation nevertheless gives both sides a clear decision to make.

With Martín entering the final year of his deal, Genoa risk seeing his value diminish further if he remains outside the team, while Racing are looking for a permanent solution rather than another short-term addition at left-back.

The profile fits what the newly promoted LaLiga side have been targeting this summer.

Martín offers top-flight experience in Spain, Germany and Italy and would add a more established option to a defence already reinforced by several arrivals.

For Racing, the next step is to determine whether Genoa’s valuation can be matched before the market closes.

For now, the significant development is that talks are active and Martín has emerged as a genuine target — but the operation remains open rather than advanced.