Manchester United eyeing 20-year-old Manchester City target

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Manchester United are now eyeing up Girona right back Arnau Martinez amid interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The January transfer window is still more than two months away but the rumour mill continues to churn out speculation.

United are always going to be linked with talent from across the world and this weekend has been no different.

Reports in Turkey suggest that United fancy signing Galatasaray right back Sacha Boey, with more rumours about another defender…

Manchester United want Girona talent Arnau Martinez

90Min now claim that United are one of a host of teams to have been scouting Girona talent Arnau Martinez this season.

It’s stated that La Liga’s two biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are both interested in Martinez.

United’s bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are keen too with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur watching too.

Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Roma have joined the race too, meaning there is enormous interest from across Europe.

Martinez was in the Barcelona ranks as a kid but was let go in 2016, sparking moves to Hospitalet and then Girona.

A return to Barcelona may appeal to Martinez, who is predominantly a right back but can also play at centre back.

United may hope to get into the race though, believing that the 20-year-old – who has already played more than 100 first-team games – has a big future.

An impressive note here is that Martinez has made the final 25-man shortlist for the European Golden Boy award.

Martinez joins the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala and Xavi Simons in the race, as well as United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Martinez is unlikely to win the award but this is a real recognition of his talent and potential at Girona.

United right back signing would be a surprise

It’s sensible for United to keep an eye on top talents around Europe with Martinez certainly fitting that bill.

However, a concrete move for Martinez in 2024 would be a surprise – at least in January anyway.

Diogo Dalot agreed five-year contract back in May whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka is now in talks over a new deal too.

Signing another right back – even one with the versatility to play in the centre of defence – would be a surprise if both Dalot and Wan-Bissaka are locked down.

Maybe United are eyeing Martinez just in case something goes wrong with those Wan-Bissaka talks, but we would suggest he is more likely to end up elsewhere.