La Liga full-back wants to play for Barcelona first team: “It’s a dream for me”

Speaking on Cadena SER’s Que T’hi Jugues program, Girona FC defender Arnau Martinez has claimed that he dreams of playing for Barcelona.

The 19-year-old right-back spent his formative years at Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth setup before eventually leaving for L’Hospitalet in 2016. Having spent two years at the club, he joined Girona in 2018, where he graduated to the first team.

Having been a regular in their promotion-winning campaign last season, Martinez has started well this time around, bagging two goals in five La Liga matches so far.

A versatile defender, the Spaniard has been utilised as a wing-back and a full-back at Girona while he is also capable of playing as a central defender.

Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona are closely following the progress of their former academy ace and could move for him next year amidst the need for reinforcements at right-back.

And, Martinez, who insists he is happy at Girona, has claimed that it was a difficult decision for him to leave Barcelona six years ago. And he added that he still harbours hopes of playing for the Barcelona first team one day.

“It was difficult, but maybe the best thing that happened to me is leaving Barça and that’s why I’m here,” Martinez said.

“I’ve been with Barça since I was little and it’s a dream to play there,” the Spanish Under-21 international later added.

The young defender also revealed that he idolises former Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano, saying: “My football reference has always been Mascherano.”

Barcelona will need to bring in at least one new right-back next summer as both Sergi Roberto and Hector Bellerin will see their contracts expire at the end of the season.

It is extremely unlikely that both players will be renewed by the Blaugrana, with there being the possibility that the club release the Spanish duo.

With the club seemingly interested in Martinez and the 19-year-old also dreaming of playing for Barcelona, only time will tell if there is a reunion on the cards come summer of 2023.