Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Girona right back Arnau Martinez, but their pursuit has taken a fresh twist with a new competitor entering the race.
According to Italian news outlet Tuttosport, Serie A giants Juventus are stepping up their interest in the highly rated right back.
The 22-year-old has been on Palace’s radar this summer, but fresh reports out of Italy suggest that Juventus are now pushing hard to complete a deal of their own.
Martinez is traditionally a right back but can operate as a wing-back in a more attacking shape or even as a right-sided defender in a back three.
That would come in handy for both Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-3 set-up at Palace and Igor Tudor, who is looking to rebuild the Bianconeri back line.
Juventus are lacking depth at full back. They signed Joao Mario earlier in the summer, but the Italian giants still see the need for another reliable wide player.
Martinez fits the profile that Juventus are looking for, which is a problem for Palace. The Eagles will need to move fast to beat the Serie A side to the punch.
Martinez has two years left on his contract, so Girona are open to cashing in this summer. Tuttosport claims that a bid of around €10-12 million could be enough to tempt Girona into selling.
The Spanish right back is also keen on taking on a different challenge this summer. Juventus can offer Champions League football, but he might be seduced by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
Palace qualified for the Europa League after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, but their place in Europe’s second-tier tournament is far from guaranteed.
UEFA found them in breach of the multi-club rules and bumped them down to the Europa Conference League, but Palace have appealed the decision and will get a verdict on August 11.
Meanwhile, the Eagles could do with reinforcement as they prepare for European football, and Martinez, who has made 162 appearances for Girona, would be a decent addition.