ARA: Barcelona target Girona right-back Arnau Martinez for €20m
The defender is one of the options Barça are considering to strengthen in defence
Girona right-back Arnau Martínez is one of the players Barcelona have shown an interest in signing next season, according to Diari ARA. The young footballer would reinforce a position where Barça have struggled in recent years. The arrival of Hector Bellerín is the latest chapter in the chaos generated since the departure of Dani Alves.
Martinez, who has been a key player for Míchel's Girona this season at just 20 years old, had a spell at La Masia before leaving for L'Hospitalet and finally signing for Girona, where he debuted aged 17.
The player himself has not hidden his feelings towards Barça, something that would facilitate negotiations between the two parties in the event that he becomes the player Barça and coach Xavi go after.
"It would be a dream for me to play for Barça," he has said. The operation, however, would not be carried out until next summer because Barça must first define who will leave and, based on that, configure and organise which signings can improve Xavi's squad.
Martinez would also prefer not to move in the winter market. He is focused on having a great season with Girona and fulfilling the objective of remaining in LaLiga after achieving promotion last season.
Fixed price: €20 million
ARA also maintain that the price of the operation is already known. Martinez can leave Montilivi for a price of around €20m per his release clause.
His arrival would be another attempt by the club to find some stability at right-back after the signings of Douglas, Semedo and Dest, among others.
Martinez's name joins that of Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, who is one of the most liked footballers at Barça for the role, which is currently occupied by Bellerin and Sergi Roberto, two players out of contract in 2023.
