Journalist says Pep Guardiola ‘wants to retain’ 19 y/o over Man City teammate

Premier League giants Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona target and Girona defender Arnau Martinez.

The 19-year-old, who plays for Girona of City Football Group, has been earning rave reviews in Spain with his amazing performances. He has established himself as a regular starter for the White and Reds after making his first-team debut in December 2020.

The Spaniard has started 15 matches in La Liga so far this season, with three goal contributions to his name. His performances have reportedly sparked a transfer interest from Barcelona.

The Blaugrana are still struggling with financial issues and will likely be looking for bargain deals. They have identified Martinez as a good fit for their needs.

But now as per Luis Canut of Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are in a fight with Barcelona for Arnau Martínez who could have his €20m (£17.5m) release clause triggered by the La Liga club.

Canut says Pep Guardiola wants ‘to retain’ Martinez, however, even though he has Kyle Walker who operates in his position. The Spanish U21 international was a Barcelona player in 2016 and might be keen to return after rising through the youth ranks to Girona’s first team.

Guardiola has Walker, Joao Cancelo and Rico Lewis who can operate in Martinez’s role, let alone John Stones and Manuel Akanji being able to play in the makeshift role, so City have enough options with signing the teenager. They’re unlikely to do big business in January too.