Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Girona defender Arnau Martinez, a target for Barcelona.
Premier League giants Manchester City have their eyes set on Girona right-back Arnau Martinez. According to Mundo Deportivo, City are pushing for the signature of the 19-year-old defender. However, they will face competition from FC Barcelona.
The full-back has a contract with Girona until the end of the 2024/25 season. However, the €20 million release clause in his contract can see him leave early. Martinez has been a transfer target for Barcelona. But the interest from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will make things difficult.
Back in the day, the Girona defender was a member of Barcelona’s academy, La Masia. Things did not work out for him in the youth setup, and he had to leave at the age of 14. The Spanish defender spent two years with CE L’Hospitalet before joining Girona.
He has gone up the ranks and established himself as a key player at Girona. The teenager made his senior debut at the age of 17 in the Copa del Rey back in December 2020. He has made 80 appearances across all competitions for Girona since his first outing.
Martinez has been involved in 14 goals, scoring five and creating nine during his time at the club. He was clinical in helping the Blanquivermells earn promotion to the Spanish top flight last season. The 19-year-old has been impressive in the ongoing La Liga season and has ensured that his club has stayed outside the relegation zone.
Barcelona are looking for a potential right-back who could eventually replace Sergi Roberto. While they do have Hector Bellerin in their ranks, it looks highly unlikely that he will have a long-term future at the club. As a result, Barcelona going after Arnau Martinez makes complete sense.
Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo are quality right-back options at the disposal of Pep Guardiola. With Walker turning 33 this year and Cancelo struggling for form, Manchester City might have to get this deal sorted as soon as possible. The fact that the City Football Group have majority stakes in Girona might help their cause.
The 19-year-old full-back is a top talent who has been impressive this season. And he is likely to have a new home soon, especially taking his €20 million release clause into account. Martinez is the subject of a three-way transfer battle, with Atletico Madrid also linked with him.
