Hoeness: Martinez arrival imminent

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says the Bundesliga club are closing in on the signing of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

Martinez is expected to arrive at the Allianz Arena after Bayern agreed to meet the 40 million-euro release clause needed to complete the deal.

Hoeness admitted the sum is ‘crazy’, but insists Bayern will benefit from the Spain international in seasons to come.

“I have been informed about the things going on and I would be glad if the deal is finalised,” Hoeness said.

“The supervisory board gave its ‘go’. So within the next couple of days we will learn about whether the signing is sealed or not.

“Of course, when a player costs 20, 30, 35, 40 million that is crazy. But we have high aims. And we can afford such a signing.

“We’ve been working hard over many decades, so that even for an expensive signing like this we don’t have to borrow any money.”

Martinez, 23, has made more than 200 appearances for Bilbao since 2006 and won eight caps for Spain.