Arsenal have sent their scouts to run the rule on Girona right-back Arnau Martinez this term. But they face competition from Premier League clubs including Manchester City.

That is according to 90min, which reports that Arsenal are just one of several teams to show an interest in Martinez. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of an array of clubs at home and abroad. Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the La Liga sides keeping tabs on his efforts.

Martinez has continued to enhance his reputation in Spain since the defender helped Girona secure promotion in 2022. He played in 33 top-flight games last season, whilst offering three goals and four assists. The Spain U21 gem has offered one assist over five games this term.

Arsenal join Man City in scouting Girona talent Martinez

Scouts now view Martinez among La Liga’s best right-backs despite not being guaranteed of a starting spot. Girona Boss Michel Sanchez has only started the former Barcelona prospect, who spent six years at La Masia, in five of their nine La Liga fixtures before the recent break.

Martinez’s form with Girona has tempted Barcelona to consider taking him back after seven years away. And while the Blaugrana nor Real Madrid sanctioned a bid this summer, the two are determined to keep the defender in La Liga and not fall into his English suitors’ clutches.

Manchester City are now interested in taking Martinez to Etihad Stadium and have a strong advantage in any race. But scouts of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also watched Martinez this season in view of his potential transfer.

Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, SSC Napoli and Roma have also sent their talent spotters to cast judgement on Martinez. But Manchester City have an advantage as the City Football Group owns 44.3% of Girona. It took an equal partnership stake in the team in August 2017.

Martinez has a £17.5m release clause in his Girona contract

Rival suitors have an easy route to beat Manchester City to a deal should they decide on his transfer, though. ARA reported in November 2022 that Girona put a €20m (£17.5m) release clause in Martinez’s contract. He agreed to the terms that run to June 2025 in January 2022.

ARA also noted at the time that Xavi Hernandez was interested in Martinez’s transfer. Now, Barcelona may rue not launching an offensive with Arsenal, Manchester City et al scouting Martinez in Girona’s recent games. He has also made the 2023 Golden Boy award shortlist.

Europe’s elite including Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Martinez as he has given Michel a versatile threat with Girona. The 12-cap Spain U21 gem is naturally a right-back but can play as a centre-back or further up the field. He is also continually improving his defensive skills.

Girona boss Michel lauded Martinez for his defensive efforts against Real Madrid earlier this year. The Catalan ace helped Girona stun Los Blancos and win 4-2 at Estadi Montilivi. Michel particularly liked how Martinez held Vinicius Jr amid the Brazilian’s 10-goal, 10-assist term.

“[Vinicius] is an incredible player,” Michel told Marca this April. “He is capable of sinking you by himself, of making eight of your players have to retreat when he starts.

“I think that, except on a couple of occasions, we have been able to control him well thanks to Arnau, who is only 19 years old but is very intelligent and he helps them.”

The post Report: Arsenal now join Man City in scouting ‘intelligent’ 20-year-old with £17.5m release clause appeared first on Arsenal Insider.