Barcelona are prioritising the signing of a new right-back in the January transfer window in light of Hector Bellerin’s sloppy displays and Sergi Roberto’s injury problems.
Xavi Hernandez has had to utilise Alejandro Balde as a makeshift right-back on several occasions this term and is now keen on bringing in a new player for the position in the winter.
And former La Masia trainee Arnau Martinez, who currently plays for La Liga club Girona, has emerged as one of the targets on Barça’s radar.
The 19-year-old Martinez spent a lot of time at the La Masia setup before eventually ending up at Girona following a stint with L’Hospitalet.
The versatile defender, who can play at right-back and centre-back played an important part in the Catalan side’s promotion to La Liga last term and has continued in the same vein of form this time out.
Impressed by his development, Barcelona are considering the possibility of re-signing Martinez. But AS is now reporting that the Blaugrana are not the only club tracking the teenager, with clubs from the Premier League and the Bundesliga also interested in him.
The report states that Martinez was already on the radars of a couple of Premier League clubs last summer. But his lack of experience at the top level and the rise in his release clause value from €10 million to €20 million following Girona’s promotion ended any chances of a move.
However, his impressive performances in the ongoing campaign have now led to interest in him rekindling in England, although the report does not mention any specific club.
Teams from Bundesliga as well as the Belgian top flight and some other top La Liga sides are also said to be tracking Martinez.
The 19-year-old had performed very well against Real Madrid, shackling Vinicius Junior, which has put him on the radars of teams. While possessing a good defensive nous, the right-back can also back it up in attack and has already scored two goals.
With interest in Martinez growing, it will be intriguing to see whether Barcelona decide to move for him in the winter or decide to look at alternatives