According to a recent report by Spanish news outlet Sport, La Liga giants Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the services of Manchester United’s highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder Arnau Puigmal. The Spanish U-19 international has been a member of the Manchester United books for a little over three years now, and during that time he has established himself as one of the most promising players in the academy. It has been suggested in the report that Barcelona are keen on strengthening their B squad and that they view Puigmal as a solid option.
Although the report has clarified that Barcelona are interested in Manchester United’s Arnau Puigmal, whether or not the player is looking to find a move back to his home country remains to be seen. The former Espanyol man has reportedly been on the Catalan side’s radar for a number of years now, having tried to sign him back when he was 16. Despite the formal attempts to lure him into the La Masia academy, the midfielder supposedly chose to make the switch to Manchester United instead. The Spaniard’s current contract with the Red Devils ends next summer, which means that Barcelona’s interest could bear fruit at that point.
What Makes Arnau Puigmal A Good Option For Barcelona?
The Catalan side’s desire to bolster their youth ranks isn’t too much of a surprise, considering that the number of top quality players they produce through the academy has gradually been on the decline over the last few years. Puigmal is viewed as the kind of player who can eventually break into the first-team picture at Barcelona as well. Another one of the youngster’s biggest selling points will have to be the fact that he’s capable of playing on the right-sided wing position – one that Barcelona have paid great importance in following the departure of some key names.
What Kind Of Player Is Arnau Puigmal?
The 19-year-old started his career as a central midfielder but has single played in a number of different positions for Manchester United. The Red Devils have used him majorly on the right side of midfield, although he has absolutely no trouble playing as the right-winger or even right-back if required. While it must be conceded that the right is his preferred side, it doesn’t take anything away from the versatility that Puigmal offers. Not only can the teenager operate in the middle of the park, but he’s also good enough to be deployed in the number ten role, or even as a second striker. This versatility is what makes him stand out from the rest of the United academy.
A willing runner with the ball at his feet, the 19-year-old boasts a decent amount of pace, while also possessing the intelligence required to come help out at the back when needed to as well. Another one of the youngster’s biggest strengths is his ability to cross the ball from wide, in that he tends to pick out players in the box with inch-perfect precision. While there’s no denying that Puigmal is an excellent passer of the ball, it takes nothing away from his finishing skills in the final third as well. The United man has gradually become one of the biggest names in United’s highly rated U-23 setup.
Barcelona Are Interested In Manchester United’s Arnau Puigmal: Why This Is A Smart Move For The Catalans
Despite his rather tender age, the Spaniard has proved on numerous occasions in the past that he has got the quality and maturity required to produce the goods at the highest level. Manchester United aren’t the kind of club that can afford to hand such young players first-team chances anymore, while Barcelona, on the other hand, are more motivated than most to do just that. With three goals and two assists to show from his two PL2 matches this season, Puigmal has showcased the quality that he has got, and if the Catalan side were able to lure him to Camp Nou, it would have to be considered quite the coup.
