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Valencia CF has locked down one of La Liga’s most promising young defenders. Arnau Martínez, the 23-year-old right-back who came up through Girona’s academy, has signed a five-year contract that keeps him at Mestalla through 2031.
The transfer, finalized on August 25, is reportedly worth approximately 5 million euros in fixed fees, plus another 1 million in performance-related bonuses. Girona also secured a sell-on clause of between 10% and 15%.
A bargain shaped by relegation
Martínez previously had a release clause hovering around 8 million euros, but Girona’s relegation brought that number down considerably. Valencia moved quickly to capitalize on the situation.
Personal terms were reportedly agreed in early-to-mid August, with the formal club-to-club agreement following shortly after. Martínez arrived in Valencia on August 26 to complete his medical checks and begin integrating with the squad.
He becomes the seventh signing of Valencia’s summer window. Head coach Carlos Corberán has been working to shore up a defense that needed reinforcement, and Martínez slots directly into a position of need.
What Martínez brings to Valencia
Born on April 25, 2003, Martínez is a product of Girona’s youth system who broke into the first team as a teenager. His 169 appearances for the Catalan club speak to both his durability and his quality, and he contributed 9 goals across his senior career there.
While Martínez is primarily a right-back, he’s shown the ability to slot into centre-back when needed. He is reportedly earning approximately 2.5 million euros annually.
Corberán himself was apparently instrumental in getting the deal over the line. There were competing clubs interested in Martínez’s services, and the negotiations hit some bumps along the way. The head coach’s direct involvement helped smooth things out.
Martínez is expected to feature in Valencia’s next match against Deportivo.
Valencia’s summer rebuild takes shape
For Girona, the deal represents another painful consequence of relegation. The sell-on clause of between 10% and 15% at least ensures they’ll benefit if Martínez’s value continues to climb.
For Martínez himself, the move represents a chance to stay in La Liga at 23, entering what should be his peak years as a footballer. Martínez earlier trained at FC Barcelona’s La Masia before developing through Girona’s academy.
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