Atlético de Madrid have been looking for a right-back for some time due to the poor performance of Nahuel Molina. The red-and-whites, despite having Marcos Llorente as a backup, know that he needs more competition and level in that position. For a couple of years now, a name has been heard loudly and now the player himself admits that he was very close to wearing the red-and-white.
Arnau Martínez, the promising Girona right-back, has confirmed what many fans suspected: he was very close to wearing the Atlético de Madrid jersey. In a recent interview, Arnau confessed the red-and-white club's strong interest and revealed some negotiation details that almost led him to be part of Diego Simeone's team.
Atlético De Madrid and the Interest in Arnau Martínez: a Tempting Offer
In a conversation on the program 'Montiliving', Arnau Martínez spoke openly about Atlético de Madrid's approach. The Catalan player, who has become one of Girona's stars, mentioned that the offer from Atlético de Madrid was "very good". This makes it clear that the club from the capital saw him as a solid option to strengthen the defense, a sector in which Simeone always looks for reliability.
Asked how close he was to transfer with Atlético, Arnau gave an answer that hinted at how advanced the negotiations were. “More or less,” he replied with a smile that betrayed the near-transfer. However, the deal was never finalised, and the young full-back remained at Girona, where he continues to be a key player.
Arnau Martínez, a Girona talent who remains in the sights of big clubs
At 20 years old, Arnau Martínez is no stranger to Spanish soccer fans. His performances with Girona have caught the attention of several La Liga teams, and especially Atlético de Madrid. With his solid play in defense and his forays into attack, the full-back has been one of the pillars of Girona's growth.
Atlético de Madrid's interest in Arnau is no surprise. In Simeone's scheme, a right-back with offensive projection and defensive consistency is highly valued. Arnau has demonstrated these qualities, and although he remains at Girona for now, his talent remains on the radar of the big teams.