Barcelona following the progress of former La Masia defender with ‘great interest’

Barcelona are set to face off against Girona this weekend in the Catalan derby in La Liga. And the game gives them an opportunity to get a close look on a certain Arnau Martinez, a player that has been on the club’s radar for a while now.

Indeed, according to SPORT, Barcelona have been monitoring Martinez with ‘great interest’ as they are in the market for reinforcements at right-back.

The 19-year-old Girona first-team star is no stranger to Barça as he spent several years at the club’s famed La Masia academy, before leaving for L’Hospitalet in 2016.

Two years later, he ended up at the Girona youth setup and has grown into an important first-team member at the Catalan club.

Martinez played a crucial role in Michel’s side earning promotion back to La Liga and has impressed in his debut season in the top-flight this term. In 15 league games, the Spaniard has scored two and assisted one goal.

A number of clubs are said to be trailing the 19-year-old, with Barcelona also among them. The Blaugrana will enter the market for a new right-back in the summer as both Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto will be out of contract.

Several options like Joao Cancelo of Manchester City, Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich, and Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund have been linked with a move to Camp Nou, while Martinez is also an option.

The report states that Barcelona have been following the 19-year-old for a long time now. Apart from his clear quality and great potential, what appeals to the club is that they can acquire him for a relatively cheap price.

Martinez’s contract with Girona runs until 2025 and contains a release clause worth €20 million, which Barça see as acceptable, although they could look to lower the price further.

The former La Masia defender, for his part, has admitted previously that he would return to Barcelona, but only as a first-team player. Only time will tell whether that move materialises or not.

For now, Xavi & co. will take a good look at the youngster when Barcelona face Girona on Saturday.