Arnau wants Valencia move as Girona talks intensify | OneFootball

Valencia are pushing to sign Arnau Martínez in time for their LaLiga opener on Saturday 22 August at Mestalla against Real Club Celta de Vigo. According to Superdeporte, CEO of football Ron Gourlay has effectively secured the player's agreement to a five-year deal, pending final details.

Valencia aim to accelerate talks this week. After Thomas Meunier fell through a month ago, Carlos Corberán prioritised Arnau, who can also play right centre-back, ahead of Dutchman Daijiro Chirino.

Gourlay has shaped a pre-agreement worth close to three million euros gross per year. Valencia favour long deals with rising pay, as with Diego López and Javi Guerra last year. At 23, Arnau suits that model.

He is determined to join Valencia, while stronger clubs in LaLiga, and in England or Germany, have only enquired. Valencia have made a firm offer and plan to match his Girona-level wage.

With his stance clear and a formal deal near, talks with Girona are now pivotal. Gourlay and Lisandro Isei count on the player's preference. The main obstacle is sporting director Quique Cárcel.

Publicly, Girona point to the eight million euro clause. Privately, they are open to less, aware of Arnau's wish, his near agreement at Mestalla, and their need for sales to ease Financial Fair Play in LaLiga Hypermotion.

Valencia first offered four million plus bonuses. A compromise could reach six million with a sell-on percentage. Time is short, so the next few days are decisive.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”