Atletico Madrid already in talks with La Liga club for 19-year-old Barcelona target | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have already begun negotiations with La Liga club Girona to sign young right-back Arnau Martinez, who is a target for FC Barcelona, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The 19-year-old former La Masia trainee is thriving at Girona and is regarded as one of the most promising young right-backs in La Liga.

Barcelona are understood to have been closely following the development of Martinez at Girona. The Blaugrana are in the market for a new right-back and the former academy ace is seen as a viable option, given that his release clause stands at just €20 million.

However, Barça are now set to face intense competition in their pursuit of Martinez as Atletico Madrid have serious interest in securing the services of the teenage defender.

The report from MD states that the Rojiblancos have already started negotiations with Girona over the possible signing of Martinez.

It is claimed that Girona’s sporting director Quique Carcel was in Madrid to hold talks with Diego Simeone’s side a couple of weeks ago over the transfer of Martinez. The report also states that Atletico Madrid have already presented an offer for the teenage full-back.

Furthermore, MD also states that Atletico Madrid might have secured a sort of a first refusal for Martinez so that if a different club comes up with a higher bid for him, Girona will provide the Rojiblancos with an opportunity to match that offer.

With Atletico Madrid already making a lot of progress in their pursuit of Martinez, Barcelona will now have their work cut out if they wish to recruit Martinez from Girona in the summer.