Lazio ‘to move for’ Girona right-back Arnau Martinez this summer | OneFootball

Lazio are weighing a summer move for Girona stalwart Arnau Martinez as they plan a defensive overhaul, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The club have already secured Villarreal left-back Alfonso Pedraza, who will replace either Nuno Tavares or Luca Pellegrini. They are also working to finalise an agreement with Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite, whose contract is expiring.

Sporting director Angelo Fabiani must also address right-back, with the current options all over 30. Elseid Hysaj will leave when his contract expires in June, while Adam Mausic has signed a renewal. Manuel Lazzari’s future remains uncertain, so a younger alternative is needed.

Martinez, 22, spent time in Barcelona’s La Masia and has been at Girona since 2018. He is regarded as a de facto leader on the pitch, with club captain Cristhian Stuani rarely starting.

Primarily a right-back, he can also operate on the left, at centre-back or as a winger. This season he has made 27 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist. His market value is around €14 million and his contract runs to June 2027, so Girona could consider a discounted sale.

Source: The Laziali