Valencia CF have officially completed the signing of defender Arnau Martínez. The player arrives from Girona and has signed a five-year contract, tying him to the Valencian club until June 2031.
The deal was finalised for a fixed fee of five million euros, with additional potential add-ons. The agreement also includes a 10% sell-on clause for Girona on any future profit from a sale of the player. The 23-year-old right-back was a clear priority for manager Carlos Corberán in this summer transfer window.
A versatile addition
Martínez's versatility has been highly valued by the coaching staff. In addition to his natural right-back role, the player can also operate as a right-sided centre-back. This adaptability is particularly relevant as Valencia's defence deals with absences, including the injury to De Haas and questions over the form of Mouctar Diakhaby. The club highlighted in its official statement that Martínez's arrival "strengthens Valencia CF's defence with a profile that combines consistency, competitiveness and versatility, able to adapt to different playing systems".
The footballer, a product of Barcelona's youth academy, developed his entire professional career at Girona, where he became a key figure and even captain. There he accumulated extensive experience, playing over 200 official matches with 11 goals and 22 assists, in both LaLiga and European competitions. This season he had started as an undisputed starter in his former team's first two matches.
The player's determination
The firm determination of Arnau Martínez himself to wear the Valencia shirt was key to unlocking negotiations that had faced difficult moments during the summer. The player acknowledged before finalising his move that he had done "everything possible" to make the operation happen. After arriving in Valencia in the early hours, he completed his medical tests at the Paterna training ground and the club announced his signing officially on Wednesday night.
With the announcement made, Arnau Martínez is now available to Carlos Corberán. He is scheduled to complete his first training session with the group on Thursday, with the aim of integrating into the team's dynamics as soon as possible. The full-back could thus be in contention for a call-up for the next league fixture away to Deportivo at Riazor. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The signing represents a quality reinforcement for a defence seeking greater solidity for the season's challenges. Arnau Martínez becomes Valencia's second signing of this transfer window, following the arrival of Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo. The new defender's contract runs for five full years.
