Valencia Club de Fútbol completed the signing of defender Arnau Martínez while facing a difficult start to the season after a home defeat. The 23-year-old right-back arrived at Paterna on Wednesday for his medical and to sign a contract until 2026, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. Carlos Corberán's team, who sit 15th in the table with just one point from two games, lost 0-1 to Real Betis in the postponed first-round fixture.
When will Arnau Martínez's signing be made official?
Arnau Martínez is on the verge of becoming a new Valencia Club de Fútbol player. The defender, who can play as a right-back or centre-back, arrived at the Paterna training ground on Wednesday morning to undergo his medical tests. Once passed, he will sign a contract tying him to the club until June 2031, according to information from Mundo Deportivo.
The operation has been a priority for manager Carlos Corberán throughout the summer transfer window. Girona will receive a fee close to six million euros between fixed and variable amounts for the transfer. The player is expected to join group training this Thursday to prepare for the next league fixture. Valencia are looking to strengthen their attack after closing this defensive signing.
Why did Valencia lose to Betis at Mestalla?
Valencia Club de Fútbol fell to a 0-1 defeat against Real Betis at Mestalla in a match corresponding to the first round of LaLiga. The only goal of the game came in the 82nd minute, scored by Pablo García after a move involving substitute Troy Parrott, according to the match report from El País Deportes. Corberán's team maintained a defensive approach that failed to prevent the loss.
Betis, who have six points from two matches, controlled the game with greater assurance. Valencia barely created clear chances, with an ineffective Danjuma substituted in the 55th minute. This defeat leaves the team with a record of zero goals scored and one conceded this season, placing them five points behind leaders Sevilla. You can track their progress on our standings page.
What did Manuel Pellegrini say after the victory at Mestalla?
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini expressed satisfaction with the victory and his team's performance. "Three very important points against a difficult opponent away from home," the Chilean coach told ABC Deportes. He added that the match was "very competitive and very tight" and that the win was fair thanks to Pablo García's "great goal".
Pellegrini made five changes to his starting eleven, completely renewing the defensive line. He explained this decision due to the fixture congestion, with eight matches in 26 days. Regarding the possible departure of goalscorer Pablo García, the manager closed the topic by stating that "while the players are here, I will use them". He highlighted his team's defensive concentration, keeping a clean sheet for a second consecutive game.
What is Valencia's next challenge?
Valencia Club de Fútbol travel to Riazor to face Deportivo La Coruña on 30 August. The Galician team currently occupies tenth place in the table, making it a significant challenge for a Valencia side in need of their first three points. This match is an opportunity to react after the stumble at Mestalla.
The addition of Arnau Martínez could provide more solidity to a defence that has conceded one goal in two games. The team urgently needs to improve its offensive output, as it is the only side in LaLiga yet to score this campaign. The schedule for upcoming fixtures is available in our matches section. The week's training will be key to facing the duel at Riazor with confidence.
