Barcelona heavily linked to 'new Carles Puyol': 5 things to know

Barcelona are best-placed to sign 19-year-old Girona defender Arnau Martinez, reports Diario Area Tecnica.

There is a verbal agreement between the club and the player. Barca will pay the youngster's release clause of €5m or €10m if Girona promote to the top flight.

The Catalans will send Martinez back on loan for 2 more seasons, it is said.

Here is what you should know about him.

1. He could be 'the new Puyol'

Just like the Blaugrana legend, Martinez isn't really tall (1.82m) but he is also versatile, covering the central defence and the right wing.

Martinez was actually called 'the new Puyol' by journalist Josep Capdevila after the teenager scored a header from a corner kick for Spain U19.

2. He possesses a great assist record

The 19-year-old has got 5 assists for the Segunda side this season – this ranks him 10th in the league.

In general, Martinez seems active at running with the ball forward as he is Segunda's third-best player in terms of fouls drawn (74) this term.

3. He is solid defensively too

Martinez has won 48 tackles this season. He is 5th among all Segunda players in this respect.

4. His agency represents 2 Barca-related players

Andreu Fontas played for Barcelona in the early 2010s. Santi Ramos Mingo is part of the Barcelona B team. Interestingly, both players are defenders too.

5. He has already been part of Blaugrana

Martinez spent 6 years of his youth career at Barcelona before joining Hospitalet in 2016.