Juventus join race for Crystal Palace target Arnau Martinez | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Girona right back Arnau Martinez, but their pursuit has taken a fresh twist with a new competitor entering the race.

According to Italian news outlet Tuttosport, Serie A giants Juventus are stepping up their interest in the highly rated right back.

The 22-year-old has been on Palace’s radar this summer, but Juventus are now pushing hard to complete a deal.

Martinez is traditionally a right back but can operate as a wing-back in a more attacking shape or even as a right-sided defender in a back three.

That would come in handy for both Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-3 set-up at Palace and Igor Tudor, who is looking to rebuild the Bianconeri back line.

Juventus are lacking depth at full back. They signed Joao Mario earlier in the summer, but they need another reliable player.

Martinez fits the profile that Juventus are looking for, which is a problem for Palace. The Eagles will need to move fast to beat the Serie A side to the punch.

He has two years left on his contract, so Girona are open to cashing in this summer. A bid of around €10-12 million could be enough to tempt Girona into selling.

The Spanish right back is also keen on taking on a different challenge this summer. Juventus can offer Champions League football, but he might be seduced by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Palace qualified for the Europa League after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, but their place in Europe’s second-tier tournament is far from guaranteed.

UEFA deemed them to be in breach of the multi-club rules and bumped them down to the Europa Conference League, but Palace have appealed the decision and will receive a verdict on August 11.

Palace need reinforcements as they prepare for European football. Martinez, who has made 162 appearances for Girona, would be a decent addition.