Barcelona are eyeing Girona’s young right-back, Arnau Martinez, as a candidate for the right back position, according to Cadena SER.
The report claims that Barça are already looking at ways to reinforce their squad over the next winter and summer windows.
A new right-back, a left-footed centre-half and a pivot midfielder are seen as immediate requirements at the club.
The right-back position is regarded as a top priority, though, due to Hector Bellerin’s unconvincing performances since arriving at the club on the summer transfer deadline day.
That, coupled with Sergi Roberto’s injury problems, have meant that Xavi has had to utilise Alejandro Balde as a makeshift right-back in quite a few matches this season.
So, it does not come as a surprise that a new right-sided full-back is seen as a priority at Spotify Camp Nou.
Who Are Barcelona Looking To Sign
Several names have been linked in the past, Arnau Martinez seems to be gaining weight as a serious transfer candidate.
A former Barcelona trainee, the 19-year-old spent almost eight years in the club’s La Masia academy before leaving for L’Hospitalet from where signed for Girona.
🚨🎖| Xavi really likes Arnau Martinez for the right-back position. He would cost €20M. [@SiqueRodriguez] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/103XvJp6Py
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) November 7, 2022
The teenager played a key role in their promotion back to La Liga and has been impressive in his maiden campaign in the Spanish top flight this time around.
Martinez has previously admitted his desire to return to Barcelona to play for the first team. Now it seems like Xavi and the club are also interested in making a move happen.
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The teenage Spaniard is reported to have a release clause worth €20m in his contract with Girona, which Barça would have to trigger in order to sign the former La Masia ace.
Whether they swoop in for Martinez in January or decide to wait until the summer remains to be seen.
However, the 19-year-old, who has two goals in ten games this season, is a player that the Barça management ‘like’ and could push hard to sign.
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