Valencia push for Arnau Martínez as Fulham threat grows, Maffeo option explored | OneFootball

Valencia are in decisive hours in their hunt for a right-back, with a deal for Girona’s Arnau Martínez still not closed. Mestalla raised their bid to six million euros with add-ons and a sell-on, which brought the sides closer. As of Tuesday night, CEO of football Ron Gourlay was still pushing without a final agreement.

According to AS, the Scot has also moved for an alternative, Pablo Maffeo of Olympiacos. Maffeo joined the Greek club for 2.5 million euros this window, and Valencia have held advanced talks with his camp. With the goalkeeper deal wrapped up mainly over the weekend, focus has shifted fully to the right side.

Back in April Valencia pursued a loan for Andrés García, later dropped when Thomas Meunier was chosen. The club know they must act quickly because the Fulham threat is real. By Tuesday there was no official offer to Girona, yet the Londoners’ interest had grown in recent hours and dates back to late last season.

Until recently Arnau was not Fulham’s priority under Álvaro Arbeloa. Their main target was Raoul Bellanova, but Atalanta have stood firm and rejected a proposal near 20 million euros from Craven Cottage.

Fulham now see it as very difficult to prise the Italian from Serie A. They also face a challenge convincing Barcelona over Héctor Fort, who want 10 to 15 million euros and have other suitors, including Borussia Dortmund.

In this context Fulham have revisited Arnau, contacting the Girona full-back’s representatives. Girona are not closing with Valencia for now, awaiting either a higher Fulham bid or payment of his eight million euro release clause.

Valencia remain cautious, continuing to push for Arnau while keeping alternatives alive. It is clear the pursuit has become more complicated.

Source: Superdeporte

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