Friday, March 29, 2024

Barcelona defender won’t renew contract as Arsenal lurk

Arsenal have been encouraged in a move to sign Martin Montoya for free at the end of the season after the players agent admitted Barcelona were yet to offer him a new deal. Montoya is a talented 22 year old right back but is currently second choice to Dani Alves and may look to move in order to secure more regular first team football.

From January foreign clubs will be able to negotiate a pre-contract for Montoya and Arsenal are believed to be one of the clubs in the running for the Spaniard. With Sagna turning 31 in Febuary and a new deal yet to be signed, Montoya appears an interesting option for Arsenal, even if the Frenchman was to stay.

Montoya has been at Barcelona since 1999, joining the club when he was just 8 and has featured at all youth levels for both Barcelona and Spain. Montoya can also play at left-back and would be something of a coup for any club who might sign him on a free transfer next summer.

The players agent, Jose Maria Orobitg told press: “For the moment he is under contract with FC Barcelona until the end of the season. However, the contract extension has still not arrived.”

“We have talked but there is no certainty that Martin Montoya would hold down a first-team spot, because right now Daniel Alves closes the door.”

Bacary Sagna is set to be offered a new contract as his current deal expires at the end of this season, but the Frenchman may be moved into a central defensive role more permanently. Carl Jenkinson and Hector Bellerin remain the clubs other options at right-back.  Liverpool have also been linked with the defender.

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Photo by Alejandro Castro

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