Arsenal have been given fresh hope of signing Barcelona defender Martin Montoya after his agent suggested that a free transfer away from Camp Nou is a real possibility.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool were linked with a move for the young Spaniard until he revealed that he was likely to sign a new deal with Barcelona. However, negotiations have since moved slowly, leaving the door ajar for a free transfer at the end of the season.
Montoya is said to be seeking assurances over his future at the club, and is growing increasingly frustrated at having his path into the first-team blocked by Brazilian superstar Daniel Alves.
According to Montoya’s agent Jose Maria Orobitg, the 22-year-old defender remains concerned that Daniel Alves is blocking his path to the first team at Barcelona and he could therefore be open to a move.
Speaking to Sky Italia, he said:
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.
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The transfer window is closed, but I can tell you that the contract extension may not be successful.
In the past, Inter Milan, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund and Liverpool were interested. Anything could happen between now and June.
Montoya is rated as one of the best youngsters coming through at the Nou Camp, but has seen his first-team appearances limited due to the presence of Brazilian international right-back Dani Alves in the side, which has led him to consider his future. The 22 year old has so far made a total of 36 senior appearances for the Spanish giants scoring 2 goals along the way.
The Spanish international is also very talented. His positioning is good and has been rarely forced into a situation in which he needs to tackle. He rarely gets caught off position and seems to balance the attack and defense with ease. He also possesses a good amount of pace, which is also crucial for back tracking to defense. Surely Montoya is not a completely ready package yet, but he has all the qualities to become .
Bacary Sagna is the first choice right-back for now. However, the French international will be 31 before the start of next season and has yet to agree an extension to his current deal. Montoya would be an ideal Wenger signing, because he will be available on the cheap, he is extremely talented but has experience at the highest levels and is a long-term signing.
Carl Jenkinson is currently the back up option to Sagna at right back and if Arsenal could sign Montoya, it would mean that position is covered for the club over the immediate future. It would also appeal to the Spaniard as he will be looking to progress and improve as he heads towards his mid-20s that’s something that Montoya should definitely want to be a part of.
What do you say Gooners?
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