As reported previously, Arnau Martinez of Girona is among the fullbacks that Barcelona are keeping tabs on for the future. The right-back is only 19 years old but has already made himself a regular starter in an already highly talented Girona team.
The player is also a regular feature in Spain’s under-21 international squad and is currently in negotiations with Girona to extend his contract with the club. FC Barcelona aim to bring him to Camp Nou in order to strengthen their weak right-back position and checked him up close in their last La Liga outing against Girona.
However, FC Barcelona are not the only team interested in the teenager, and face competition from their league rivals Atletico Madrid. In fact, Atletico Madrid seems to be ahead of La Blaugrana in the race for Arnau Martinez, as Mundo Deportivo reports that Girona’s Sports Director, Quique Carcel, has already met with Atletico’s representatives in Madrid.
The Madrid-based club has already made an offer for the player, whose current release clause stands at €20 million. The report further mentions that Atletico have also obtained a right of first refusal for the player. Thus, if Girona receives a higher offer than Atletico’s, they would be obliged to inform Atletico about this offer, who will then have a right to match this offer and get the player.
Atletico’s interest in the player is easily explainable, as they currently only have Nahuel Molina to play in this position. Marcos Llorente covers for any absences, but right back is not his natural position, and his talent is wasted at this position. Thus, Atletico can go in all for the promising youngster, who will help them cover not only in the present, but would be a great bet also for the future.
