Arnau Martínez joins Valencia on contract until 2031 and is unveiled at Mestalla

Arnau Martínez is officially a Valencia player. The club unveiled the Catalan defender on Thursday after he signed a long-term contract that runs until June 2031. He arrives from Girona to bolster the defense of Carlos Corberán's team. At 23 years old, Martínez lands at Mestalla having established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Spanish football during his time with the Catalan club.

• Arnau Martínez signs with Valencia until June 30, 2031.
• He joins from Girona with 121 LaLiga appearances already under his belt.
• The defender came through Barcelona's academy but was released at youth level.
• His versatility allows him to play as a full-back, center-back or even as a defensive midfielder.
• He made his top-flight debut at Mestalla during the 2022-23 season.

Arnau Martínez transfer to Valencia completed after lengthy negotiations

The deal took several weeks to complete, but the player's desire never wavered: he wanted to play for Valencia. Arnau made that clear during his presentation, stating that from the moment he learned of the club's interest he knew where his priority lay. Valencia also had to make a significant financial effort to convince Girona and secure a young player with top-flight experience and clear potential.

Since the club's name came up, I have wanted to come here and we have shown that. The coach called me and told me what he could bring to me and what I could bring to the team.

The player also praised the role of Valencia's sporting management during the long negotiation process. Arnau confirmed he had spoken with both the coach and the club's executives, and he stressed that he was won over by the club's project and the confidence they showed in him from the very first contact.

What Arnau Martínez brings to Carlos Corberán's Valencia defense

One of Arnau's greatest strengths is his ability to play in multiple positions. Although he spent his final seasons at Girona playing mainly as a right-back under Míchel Sánchez, the Catalan describes himself as a versatile player. He can perform as a third center-back, as a center-back in a back four, as a wing-back and even as a defensive midfielder. That flexibility is a major asset for a Valencia side looking to rebuild its defensive line.

Arnau explained that his positional evolution began in his earliest years, when he played as a forward. At Barcelona he alternated between center-back and defensive midfielder, and later, at Girona, Francisco Rodríguez deployed him as a center-back on both the left and right sides. It was Míchel who eventually converted him into a right-back, the role in which he has excelled over recent seasons.

Arnau Martínez career path: from Barça academy to first-team football with Girona

Born in Catalonia, Arnau Martínez came through Barcelona's youth system, where he played as a center-back. However, he was released by La Masia at youth level, a setback that pushed him to keep growing rather than give up. He spent two seasons at Hospitalet before joining Girona's academy, where he became one of the club's standout youth products during its sporting rise.

His LaLiga debut came, fittingly, at Mestalla in the 2022-23 season, when he came on as a substitute. From that point on, he quickly earned a regular starting spot. With Girona he made 121 appearances in the Spanish top flight and five in the Champions League, adding two seasons of experience in the Segunda División.

Arnau Martínez and the excitement of playing at Mestalla in a possible farewell season

The new Valencia defender made no secret of his excitement about wearing the club's shirt and playing in front of his new supporters. Arnau described Mestalla as a historic stadium and admitted he is especially looking forward to defending it as a home player. He also spoke about the possibility of saying goodbye to the ground, amid the ongoing debate over the future of the venue and the new stadium project.

It is a huge source of excitement. Playing at home will be even more spectacular. We would like to say goodbye to this historic ground. This stadium has given so much joy.

The defender insisted that the collective goal must come first and that he faces the challenge with maximum enthusiasm, fully aware of what the shirt, the badge and the Valencia fanbase represent.

Arnau Martínez sets his goals for his new chapter at Valencia

Asked about the team's targets, Arnau avoided setting a specific goal and instead backed an ambitious message based on constant improvement. He explained that his intention is to help Valencia grow in every position he can play and to take the club to the highest possible level. He also called for unity between the squad, the club and the fans as the path to achieving any objective.

We must face the goal together. That is the most important thing and what has to guide all of us.

At 23 years old, Arnau Martínez takes on the challenge of being a key piece in Carlos Corberán's project. His commitment until 2031 confirms Valencia's bet on a young profile with proven experience and room to improve.