Xavi has asked Barcelona to monitor the progress of €20 million-rated La Liga defender

Barcelona are in for a winter of change, with the right-back position being one of the key areas that must be addressed.

Hector Bellerin has been tipped to leave Camp Nou on a free transfer after the turn of the year, while Ronald Araujo has had to undergo surgery. Sergi Roberto has not been able to perform well either, thus accentuating the need for a new right-back.

Although Barcelona have targeted several options in the market so far, a new report from SPORT suggests that the club are tilting towards a move for Arnau Martinez.

A product of the famed La Masia youth academy in Barcelona, Martinez was a centre-back turned right-back, who currently plies his trade at Girona. He joined the Catalan outfit in 2018 on a free transfer, in an attempt to make a breakthrough in professional football.

The move paid off as the defender made his breakthrough during the backend of the 2020/21 campaign. He has since racked up 72 competitive appearances for the club and played a crucial role in helping Girona gain promotion back to the top-flight last season.

Martinez has continued his performances in La Liga as well, notably scoring two goals in ten matches so far this season. He has impressed the onlookers with his technical ability and offensive prowess, thus making him the desired target for Xavi.

Indeed, the report states that the Barcelona manager has asked the club to monitor the 19-year-old’s progress carefully.

Luring Martinez away from Girona might not be tricky either as the player has already voiced his desire to return to Barcelona. Although his release clause at Girona did increase to €20 million, it should not bother Barça, who are in the market for cost-effective options.

Martinez’s potential addition to Barcelona could see him become the primary option at right-back. It should also help the club move on from Bellerin and in extension, Sergi Roberto, whose current deal at Camp Nou expires at the end of the season.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.