Barcelona will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old Spanish full-back Arnau Martinez from Girona in the 2024 summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arnau Martinez is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan giants are still keen on signing a right-back despite securing the services of Joao Cancelo. The 20-year-old Girona full-back has thus emerged as a target for the Blaugrana for the 2024 summer transfer window.
Arnau Martinez is a former trainee of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia division. But he finished his footballing education after joining Girona from CE L’Hospitalet in July 2018. Since then, the Spanish defender has come leaps and bounds, establishing himself as one of the best young full-backs in La Liga.
The 20-year-old has also made his mark on the international stage while turning out for Spain’s Under-21 team. Meanwhile, Martinez has started the 2023/24 season strongly, providing one assist in four La Liga outings thus far. And the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of high-profile clubs like Barcelona.
The Blaugrana and Atletico Madrid were also keen on signing the player in the summer transfer window. But a move did not materialise, with Martinez remaining at Girona FC. While Atletico Madrid signed Cesar Azpilicueta, Barcelona secured Joao Cancelo’s services on Deadline Day.
But Cancelo’s deal does not contain a purchase option for Barcelona. So, the ball is in Manchester City’s court, and they might demand a premium to sell the Portuguese international. Barcelona should thus have a contingency plan in case they cannot sign Cancelo in a permanent deal next summer.
Arnau Martinez has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona for the 2024 summer transfer window. In addition, he might be a cost-effective option to bolster the Barcelona defence, as he will enter the final year of his contract in July 2024. But Girona will likely look to extend his deal in the coming weeks and months.
Also Read: Barcelona Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
Barcelona might prefer to sign Cancelo in a permanent deal in the summer transfer window next year. But a high asking price might force them to look elsewhere. So, Martinez might become a top target for the Blaugrana heading into the 2024 summer.
