Barcelona have now entered the crucial stage of the season. These are the do-or-die games for the Catalans that will decide their fate in UCL and La Liga. Until Tuesday, they were only beaten by german champions Bayern Munich. But now, a loss to Inter Milan has put them in a very difficult position in their UCL Group. Other than that, the team was nearly been flawless with brilliant performances all over the pitch. September month proved to be comparatively easy for the club as the international break also arrived. The likes of Ansu Fati, and Bellerin had some much-needed rest and trained in isolation.
But things did not go as planned for Barcelona. Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde are out for at least a month suffering injuries in an international break. Araujo underwent surgery last week in Finland and will try to come back as soon as possible. As for Kounde, he might just be back in time for the Clasico. Barcelona plays some big games this month and these injuries will be a big blow for the defense. Also, the dutch duo of Depay and Frenkie are also out with Injuries. Hector Bellerin also got a knock in his left leg and will be out for some time. This has posed a great dilemma for the right-back spot as the club tries to find solutions.
The team plays the likes of Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and the much-awaited fixture with Real Madrid. The loss of Araujo and Kounde will be big but Xavi will hope that his team comes up. Sergi Roberto is the only right-footed full-back at present in the club. But the fixtures ahead demand much more quality and squad depth from the Catalans. Sergino Dest was not trusted by Xavi at all which is why he made the switch to Milan. Jules Kounde will still require some weeks before he is back to his best. Bellerin and Roberto also run out of contracts next season. This is the reason Barcelona are looking in the market for quality right back.
Barcelona target Arnau Martinez from Girona
Following the rumors around, Barcelona have been following Arnau Martinez from Girona. The 19-year-old is a former La Masia prospect who played with the likes of Balde who is Barca’s first-choice left-back. Martinez has made a really good impression in his first top-flight season. He has scored 2 times in the first 5 appearances and has the ability to play both as a full-back and a CB.
The club will have no right back next season with Roberto and Bellerin running out of contracts. 2023 seems to be a year when the club wants to invest in a new young right back who can become the core of the team. Martinez signed a contract with Girona in January this year which binds him with the club till 2025. It will be interesting to see how much Girona demands the teenage defender.
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