Girona defender Arnau Martinez has admitted that he would like to play for a big team one day, name-dropping Real Madrid and Barcelona as potential destinations,
The 19-year-old has started the season in fine form and there were some calls for Luis Enrique to add him to Spain’s World Cup squad, while recent reports have tipped him to return to Barcelona in the January transfer window.
Martinez began his career as an undersized centre-back but has since made the transition to right-back and right winger, drawing comparisons to Javier Mascherano during his days at Barça’s La Masia academy.
“I always liked him a lot,” Martinez said of Mascherano in an interview with AS.
“He was also versatile, he could play behind or as a midfielder. He was a leader.”
“I personally prefer [playing] out wide. You can attack and cover more ground, which in the end is what everyone likes. Even so, I have no qualms about playing central.”
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Martinez was then asked if he would ever play for Real Madrid given his links to Barcelona, but insisted that playing for either giant is an option for him.
“I don’t close the door on anyone. What I want is to compete in the best way in the best team that I can, be it Madrid, Barça or another team,” he added.