Barcelona, Real Madrid face Manchester City competition for 20-year-old La Liga defender – Beragampengetahuan

For most of last season, Xavi resorted to using Jules Kounde as the team’s right-back, while Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen covered the central defence. Alejandro Balde rounded off the defence, making the famous ‘B.A.C.K.’ quartet.

In fact, 2022/23 Barcelona were arguably best known for this defence, and of course, the heroics of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, propelling the team to 26 clean sheets in the season, a record in the top-five leagues.

However, things have changed this season, as the Catalans have signed Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on loan. While definitely creatively better, the team is no longer the defensive pillar it was last season.

Before signing Cancelo, though, the club had their eyes set on Girona’s brilliant Arnau Martinez. Real Madrid were also interested in the youngster, but neither team ended up bidding on him at the end.

Both clubs now face fresh competition in the form of Manchester City, who want to reinforce their right-back position, according to a report by 90min.

Arnau a man wanted

Manchester City are just one of many teams looking at Arnau for his signature, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Aston Villa also keeping tabs.

Apart from that, the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, AS Roma, and Bayern Munich have also scouted the youngster in recent weeks.

All these eyes on him only make sense given the player’s ability to play as a right-back, centre-back, and even on the wing.

Further, he is also among the finalists for the 2023 Golden Boy award alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz, Alejandro Balde, and more.

Barcelona, Real Madrid still keen

While Barcelona and Real Madrid are still keen on signing Arnau next summer, it must be noted that Girona are one of the clubs under City Football Group, and would likely prioritise Manchester City as far as an exit from the club is concerned.

The Spaniard fits the profile of the kind of player Pep Guardiola might be after as a young, quick, versatile, and athletic defender – much like Kyle Walker, but with added offensive depth.

Playing in La Liga, Arnau has a release clause of €20 million against his name, which could well be triggered by a top club in the coming months.