A rising star from the FC Barcelona first team has attracted interest from Premier League teams after a solid first season.
The 23-year-old Spanish player is currently with his country at the UEFA U-21 Championships, but has emerged as a target for two English teams wanting to strengthen their defensive options.
With a good first season behind him, the talent and versatility he possesses will see him in demand in the transfer market, due to his current performances.
The defender we are talking about is Gerard Martin – a product of Barcelona’s famous youth system, as reported by Diario Sport.
The first club to express interest was Wolverhampton Wanderers, as they consider Martin as a potential replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has signed a big-money move to Manchester City.
Wolves have made initial contact to see what deal is possible, as they will use existing good relations with Barcelona and the power of agent Jorge Mendes to broach discussions.
Bournemouth has now entered the race, increasing the competitive atmosphere.
The Cherries have Martin down as a key fit to the way manager Andoni Iraola wants to play, especially with the knowledge they will be losing left-back Milos Kerkez to Liverpool with a deal above €40 million.
Barcelona is willing to sell Martin for around €12 million, which would allow them to reinvest in a replacement.
Barcelona has already identified former La Masia talent Alejandro Grimaldo as a potential option, with a return clause that will not cost them much.
However, Martin is said to prefer staying for one more year at Barcelona before competing regularly in Hansi Flick’s team.
With two teams from the Premier League interested and Barcelona contemplating what to do next, Martin’s transfer story remains an important talking point in the transfer window.
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