Arnau still on the table as Valencia stick to terms | OneFootball

Despite Pablo Maffeo’s imminent arrival, Valencia have not ruled out signing Arnau Martínez, but only if the pre-agreed conditions are respected after Fulham’s entry. According to AS, that remains the club’s position.

From the first contact, Valencia sought a quick deal for a top right-back before LaLiga began, otherwise it would turn to alternatives, which it has with Maffeo. The Sant Joan Despí full-back is expected to land in Valencia in the early hours.

Girona and the player’s representatives indicated a fee of around four million euros plus variables, a level Valencia matched.

At that stage the parties agreed Arnau would not play the opening league match. Valencia were surprised when he started and completed the game against Leganés, taking a physical risk with the move close, and the club were angered.

Even so, on Monday Valencia revived talks, improved their proposal and moved closer to the parameters requested.

Then, with better funded clubs such as Fulham involved, Girona altered the terms. Valencia twice met the new figures but no deal followed, with Betis, Olympique de Marsella and Hull City already out of the running.

Valencia have not shut the door on Arnau Martínez, seen as cover at right-back or as a centre-back in a back three, the shape Carlos Corberán has been refining in pre-season. The club are firm, either it is done on the pre-agreed basis or not at all.

Source: AS

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