Arsenal Table €10 Million Bid for Girona Defender Arnau Martinez as Transfer Race Heats Up

Key Takeaways:

• Arsenal have placed an €8 million offer plus €2 million in variables for Arnau Martinez
• Girona are considering their options but may prefer to receive his €14 million release clause
• Napoli and West Ham United have also shown interest in Martinez during the current transfer window

Transfer Offer for Martinez

Arsenal have made an unexpected move to strengthen their defence by submitting a formal bid for Girona right-back Arnau Martinez, who at 22 years old has two years remaining on his current contract. The Gunners’ proposal, reported by Santi Aouna of Footmercato, consists of an €8 million initial fee with an additional €2 million in variables, bringing the total package to €10 million.

Girona are reportedly open to reshaping their squad this summer, already seeing the departure of Miguel Gutierrez. While the Spanish club might prefer to wait for a suitor to trigger Martinez’s €14 million release clause, they are not expected to block his exit if terms can be agreed. Financially, Arsenal are thought to have ample resources to meet the full release clause if necessary.

Arsenal have approached Girona for Arnau Martínez with a proposed transfer fee of €8m+ €2m of bonuses included 🇪🇸

✍️ – [@Santi_J_FM]

I don’t understand why we aren’t making these kinds of moves. The age, price and his talent ceiling makes it a no-brainer 😅 #avfc pic.twitter.com/18EXlReZ1i

— 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 (@Total_Villa) August 25, 2025

Interest from Across Europe

The transfer saga also includes Napoli, who are monitoring Martinez as an alternative to Juanlu Sanchez, and West Ham United, who have recently entered the discussion regarding the Girona defender’s future. Despite earlier interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona following Martinez’s breakthrough at the club, that attention waned when Yan Couto established himself in the right-back position two seasons ago.

Profile: What Martinez Brings to Arsenal

Emerging as one of La Liga’s standout young talents three seasons ago, Arnau Martinez has developed a reputation as an attack-minded right-back, notable for his ball-playing abilities. Originally trained at Barcelona’s academy as a central defender, he brings technical versatility—often drifting into midfield positions, overlapping on the flank, or making runs into the box to support the attack.

Despite lacking exceptional speed, Martinez is described as both adaptable and tactically versatile, able to operate in a back three structure or as a wing-back when required. With two years still to run on his deal at Girona, the club may view the current transfer window as the right moment to secure a significant fee for one of their key assets as they look to rebuild for the new season.