Talks between clubs have also taken place, but those of Montilivi are clear that the agreement cannot be signed at any price. Martínez, despite his youth – he is only 19 years old – and facing his first year in the First Division, has already played 80 games with the white-and-red first team. At the moment, in fact, he is one of the untouchables of Míchel Sánchez, who in no case has planned to lose him during this winter market. For the summer, however, things change.
Girona does not want to move away from the 20 million stipulated in the clause of the footballer, who has a contract until 2025. If Atlético does not pay them, in order to reach a final approval between the two entities there are alternative formulas: Rodrigo Riquelme , a midfielder who this year plays on loan from the Madrid entity in Montilivi, could enter the operation, as there are also other names on the table. Then the final figure will be between 10 and 15 million euros.
The contacts between the two clubs are very advanced and Atlético have already presented a first offer to Girona. Mundo Deportivo, in addition, adds that they have even closed a kind of right of temptation, in which the Girona club is obliged to communicate to the mattress maker any offer higher than the one already presented, so that they can improve it. The negotiation between Martínez and Atlético a priori is simpler and the footballer would sign for the next four or five seasons.
What is the Blaugrana’s role?
Right now, Arnau Martínez is not a priority for Barça, even though they have him on the radar. Quite simply, the Blaugrana organization cannot move, because it doesn’t have any fair play financial or clear exit options. The idea with which the sports director is working for the right back next season is to place Kounde and Sergi Roberto there, with Ronald Araujo entering from time to time. These are the most likely options.
From the offices they find that it is easier to register free players, such as Íñigo Martínez, from Athletic, than footballers who have a cost and generate amortization. Barça, in this sense, is tied hand and foot. Atlético does not, and in this way can bet strongly on Arnau Martínez, a full-back who is just starting out, but who sees a splendid future and is ready to take the step to grow. The other differentiating fact is that Girona, from the first moment, is open to selling.
In Montilivi they are aware that Martínez, due to age, talent and projection, is the footballer in the squad for whom they can extract a higher economic value. Under-21 international, his charisma and his weight on the pitch, in which his daring to let loose in offensive tasks stands out, with a very high percentage of success, have made him one of the footballers more loved by the fans. And Girona will take advantage of their performance to close what could be the highest sale in the club’s history. An operation in which everyone will win, except for Barça.
