Arnau Martinez is a player of interest for Barcelona in the summer, and they could battle Atletico Madrid for the Girona full-back.
According to SPORT, Barcelona could plot a move for Girona rightback Arnau Martinez in the summer. Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the situation of the young full-back, who has a €20 million release clause in his contract.
Barcelona are cautious about spending heavily, like last summer, to improve their squad when the season ends. The Catalan giants continue to struggle with financial implications and will look for more ways to balance their books to bring funds for transfers.
They cannot make high-profile moves this time, meaning they may look for bargain deals in the market. Xavi Hernandez has told the club need a new right back to compete with Jules Kounde and someone who could provide a different style than the Frenchman. Barcelona have thus shown an interest in Arnau Martinez.
Going by the prices for high-profile stars in the market, Barcelona are unlikely to feature in the race for many players. They are looking at financially viable options that include professionals like Cesar Azpilicueta. While Xavi likes the Chelsea captain’s experience in the game, a younger profile may entice the manager.
Arnau Martinez is a player of interest for Barcelona, who will get a closer look at the right-back when Barcelona take on Girona on Saturday. The 19-year-old Spanish full-back has had a terrific season with Girona, and his playing style might suit Xavi’s system.
Martinez has a release clause of €20 million. If the price falls in Barcelona’s range, they may negotiate it down to a reasonable sum. They are not alone in the hunt for Martinez, as there is interest from Premier League sides and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid are planning on changing their transfer policy, which may include signing a few young players. Martinez is on their list of potential defensive targets. The Girona defender is a centre-back converted into a right-back, which emphasises his defensive qualities, something the Rojiblancos traditionally like.
In the summer, the race for Martinez could get intense, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the hunt. The 19-year-old Spanish full-back could remain in Spain despite interest from England, and he might join one of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
