Bombshell: Gallardo called Maravilla Martínez and Racing is speeding up efforts to sign him

The current tense relationship between River and Racing  adds a new chapter following the recent transfer of Maximiliano Salas. Marcelo Gallardo contacted Adrián "Maravilla" Martínez directly to express his interest in signing him as a reinforcement. However, Avellaneda replied quickly: they moved forward with renewing the forward's contract to retain him.

According to various sources, the president of Academia, Diego Milito, has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player to extend his contract until December 2028. The new contract would include a salary increase that would make Martínez the highest-paid player on the squad, as well as a significant increase in the release clause, which would become the highest in the club.

Given this situation, the management's intention is to secure one of the key figures of Gustavo Costas's team, who supported the decision and emphasized that the forward feels comfortable and committed to the project.

In addition to River, another South American giant has set its sights on the striker: Flamengo. The Brazilian club, which is preparing for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, is reportedly determined to pursue Maravilla. However, Racing has declared him "not for sale," at least until the continental competition ends.

Despite the interest from both teams, the good news for Racing is Martínez's determination to stay and fight for the Libertadores. Currently, the forward has a contract in force until the end of 2026 and a release clause of 8 million dollars, an amount that would increase in the new agreement.

With this renewal, Racing seeks to calm the waters after Salas's departure and to keep its main offensive reference in a semester that also includes Clausura and Copa Argentina.