Arnau Martínez, Valencia's chosen one for the right-back spot

Valencia CF

The Valencia have made Arnau Martínez their top priority to strengthen the right-back position. Peter Lim has already given the go-ahead to the deal, and the sporting department is working to close a signing they consider strategic, although first they will have to resolve the departure of André Almeida. The Portuguese has offers from Swansea City and Celta, and his exit is key to freeing up a squad slot and wage room before making a final offer for the Girona player.

The need to bring in a full-back is clear for Carlos Corberán. The failure to sign Thomas Meunier and Andrés García, combined with the drop in Dimitri Foulquier, has left that position badly weakened. Arnau Martínez emerges as an option: a 23-year-old defender who stands out for his runs, his ability to join the attack and his versatility, as he can also play as a wing-back or central defender in a back three. He is a full-back with personality on the ball, quick in transitions, and increasingly solid in defensive duties.

The Girona's relegation has made the move easier, and his release clause has been cut to 8 million euros, a figure Valencia consider manageable, turning the Under-21 international into one of the best opportunities on the market. In addition, the Catalan club needs to generate revenue and reduce its wage bill after losing their place in the top flight, while the player himself is also keen to keep competing in LaLiga.  For now, the Valencia do not want to trigger the 8 million clause, so we have to wait for the next moves from Valencia's sporting department.

In the 2025/26 season, Arnau once again became one of Girona's most reliable players. He played 35 LaLiga matches, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists, maintaining a competitive level despite the team's relegation. His consistency and room for further growth explain Valencia's interest, who hope to unlock Almeida's exit as soon as possible to go all in on one of the most promising full-backs in Spanish football.