Arnau Martínez has officially completed his transfer to Valencia CF from Girona FC, ending a protracted negotiation process that spanned several weeks and bringing a close to a six-year chapter at Montilivi, according to regional sports reporting.
Transfer Details and Financial Terms
The 22-year-old right-back moves to Mestalla for a reported fee of five million euros, with an additional one million euros in variables and a 10-percent sell-on clause included in the agreement, as reported by L’Esportiu de Catalunya. Girona had initially set an eight-million-euro valuation following their relegation from the top flight, holding his contract until 2027, but structured the final deal to recoup potential funds through performance add-ons and future operations.
Arnau traveled to Valencia on the morning of his unveiling, successfully completing his medical examination at the Paterna sports city before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that runs through June 2031. Speaking outside the training ground, the defender expressed immediate enthusiasm for his new club, stating he was feeling very happy and eager to begin playing.
A Storied Rise at Montilivi
A product of Girona’s youth academy, Arnau departs after making more than 200 appearances for the club’s senior team. He made his professional debut as a 17-year-old under then-manager Francisco Rodríguez while the club was competing in the Segunda División. Among his most memorable moments in red and white was scoring the decisive third goal in a 1-3 victory away against Tenerife, a strike that secured Girona’s promotion to La Liga.
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During the club’s historic run, Arnau also wore the captain’s armband in the UEFA Champions League. L’Esportiu de Catalunya noted that his commitment remained unwavering through the opening two matchdays of the current Segunda División campaign, where he continued to feature for Girona despite ongoing talks regarding his departure to Valencia.
Readiness and Immediate Outlook
Addressing the drawn-out nature of the summer negotiations, Arnau confirmed that conversations had finally reached the desired resolution. He revealed that he had spoken with Valencia manager Carlos Corberán roughly two weeks prior to the deal’s completion and insisted he arrives fully prepared for the top-flight challenge. “I have done the preseason, I have played two league matches in Segunda with Girona, and I am ready,” Arnau said.
To bid farewell to the fanbase, the defender appeared in an emotional video shared across Girona’s official social media channels, looking back over his trajectory and finalising his departure with a nod to his deep ties with the region.
What Comes Next
Arnau will integrate immediately into Carlos Corberán’s squad at Valencia ahead of their upcoming fixtures, while Girona adjusts their defensive rotation in the Segunda División. Fans and observers can track Valencia’s official club announcements for his squad number assignment and training updates ahead of the next league weekend.
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