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Arnau Martínez Takes Next Step: Girona Graduate Joins Valencia
Arnau Martínez López has completed a permanent transfer from Girona to Valencia, bringing his impressive 2025 La Liga campaign to Mestalla as the Spanish defender looks to establish himself at a historic club.
Arnau Martínez López has officially made the switch from Girona to Valencia, crossing the divide in the Spanish football landscape on 2026-08-25. The 22-year-old defender, who established himself as a reliable and technically gifted presence at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, is set to bring his specific brand of ball-playing defending to the Mestalla turf. This permanent transfer represents a significant career milestone for the Barcelona-born talent, who is looking to translate his steady progression into a prominent role within Valencia's defensive setup.
At a glance
- Player: Arnau Martínez López (22, Defender)
- Move: Permanent transfer from Girona to Valencia
- Date: 2026-08-25
Career context
Martínez's career trajectory has been marked by steady development and international youth recognition. He has represented Spain at the youth level, notably competing in the UEFA U21 Championship - Qualification during the 2025 season, where he made 2 appearances. His club achievements include winning the Copa Catalunya during the 2024/2025 campaign. Throughout his journey, he has faced several physical setbacks, including multiple hamstring strains in 2024 and 2025, a concussion in late 2024, a foot injury in early 2024, and an ankle injury in September 2023. Despite these interruptions, his technical attributes—particularly his high technique rating of 92 and strong duels rating of 95—have consistently set him apart as a modern, ball-playing defender capable of handling high-pressure environments.
How he fits at his new club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
Valencia's acquisition of Martínez addresses a clear need for defensive depth and technical proficiency. Standing at 182 cm and weighing 72 kg, his physical profile is well-suited for the demands of La Liga. His high technique attribute (92) suggests he is highly comfortable on the ball, making him an ideal candidate to initiate attacks from the back under Valencia's tactical system. With a defence rating of 71 and a duels rating of 95, he offers a balanced mix of physical resilience and ball-winning capability. His ability to play with high pass accuracy (85%) and deliver 24 key passes in the 2025 season indicates he can serve as a reliable outlet for build-up play, helping Valencia transition from defensive phases into offensive third with precision.
Recent numbers
The 2025 season provided a comprehensive showcase of Martínez's capabilities at the highest level of Spanish football. Playing for Girona in La Liga, he featured in 35 appearances, starting 33 of those matches and logging 2,678 minutes of competitive action. His offensive contributions were notable for a defender, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists while taking 14 shots (4 on target). Defensively, he was highly active, recording 66 tackles, 41 interceptions, and 13 blocks. His discipline was generally solid, though he accumulated 6 yellow cards and committed 24 fouls while drawing 30. His overall performance was reflected in an average rating of 6.81. In the UEFA U21 Championship - Qualification, he added 2 appearances and 102 minutes of international youth experience to his resume.
Key takeaways
| Metric | La Liga (Girona, 2025) | International (Spain U21, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 35 | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 2,678 | 102 |
| Goals / Assists | 2 / 3 | 0 / 0 |
| Tackles / Interceptions | 66 / 41 | N/A |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% | N/A |
| Average Rating | 6.81 | N/A |
- Technical Edge: A pass accuracy of 85% and 1,427 completed passes highlight his comfort in possession, making him a viable option for possession-based systems.
- Defensive Work Rate: Averaging high duel participation (258 total duels) and winning 55% of them, he brings necessary physicality to Valencia's backline.
- Youth International pedigree: With UEFA U21 Championship experience, he is primed to take on a leadership role as Valencia integrates younger players into the first-team squad.