Il Corriere dello Sport are reporting that Italian side Napoli have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich player Javi Martinez. Rafael Benitez is a big fan of the 25 year old and if an opportunity presents itself to sign him, he is supposedly very keen to do so.
The Spanish player is one that has popped up many times so far, approaching the transfer window he has been linked to many clubs. Arsene Wenger is known to be a huge admirer of the defender/midfielder, with various English sources hinting at a possible £30 million bid.
Liverpool are also in the race with the Mirror highlighting Brendan Rodgers urge to add real quality to his side, quality that is Champions League proven. Martinez certainly fits this profile and would be a brilliant signing for the club.
Liverpool are very keen on strengthening their defence for next season and the Bayern player would certainly add some steel. He also has exceptional passing ability that would perfectly fit into the managers philosophy. In the Bundesliga this season, Martinez has had a pass completion rate of 89.6%. After all, he is playing under the pass-fanatic Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard moved to Germany from Spain in a £36 million deal, a huge fee, but he is quite simply a world class player. He was absolutely instrumental in Bayern winning the Champions League last season, but this campaign he has found it hard to cement down a regular spot under the ex-Barcelona manager.
It would be strange if they were to let such a fine player leave, if anyone manages to sign him they are signing a real world class and versatile player. The Spanish international is fully capable in both defence and midfield, he can also get on the goal sheet too.
Even though he made just 14 appearances this season in Das Bundesliga, he still feels as though Bayern Munich is the right place for him to be. SkySports reported on how the player expressed his desire to stay at the club, stating he believed his manager was happy with his services. He told German media that he was only focusing on Bayern Munich.
It would be very hard to leave such a big club like Bayern who have a fantastic manager, but perhaps he will be sold if a big offer comes in as Guardiola arguably doesn’t see him as an essential asset to his side.
Liverpool and Arsenal can both offer him Champions League football which, especially now for Liverpool, is a luxury item to be bargaining with. Various reports have claimed both of these managers will be handed hefty transfer budgets. Both are in a good moment with higher aspirations for the season ahead, so perhaps Wenger or Rodgers could land this very fine player.
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