Real Madrid have triumphed over several Premier League clubs in the race for 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martinez. According to TEAMtalk, the player from Racing was attracting interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, as well as the ownership structures of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Arsenal and Tottenham were keeping tabs on Martinez while BlueCo and City Football Group were also weighing up a move. However, the player himself preferred to join Real Madrid.
Just before the transfer window closed, the Madrid club activated a €3 million release clause to secure the Spaniard's signature. Martinez has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2030, joining Real Madrid Castilla.
Interestingly, the midfielder has already begun to be integrated into the first team setup. Jose Mourinho included the new recruit in the squad for the match against Real Betis, although he didn’t make an appearance on the pitch.
Martinez primarily plays as a defensive midfielder but is versatile enough to undertake various roles in central areas. He also boasts three appearances for the Spanish Under-21 national team already.
According to TEAMtalk, the interest from English clubs was genuine, but the player's desire to move to Real Madrid and the Spanish side's readiness to pay the release clause ultimately decided the outcome of this transfer saga.
