Arsenal Make Early Approach for La Liga Star

Arsenal Make Early Approach for La Liga Star

Arsenal have made an approach for 22-year-old Girona defender Arnau Martinez, with a deal proposed to the La Liga side of around €8m, with a further €2m proposed in add-ons, according to FootMercato.

Martinez, a right-footed right-back, made 32 La Liga appearances for Girona last term, scoring twice and laying on the same amount of assists as his side finished in a lowly 16th in the table.

However, despite Girona's poor season, he has now been linked with a Premier League switch by way of Arsenal, who are expected to explore a move for the young defender as the window comes to a close.

Martinez a Target for Arsenal

Arnau Martinez may not be the most familiar name to Premier League fans, or indeed those at Arsenal, but his arrival would add a further layer of depth for a side looking to finally win the top-flight title this season.

Martinez, who is most comfortable out on the right-hand-side of the backline, average 1.6 tackles per game and 7.3 overall defensive contributions last season, placing him in the upper percentiles of La Liga's fullbacks, whilst also laying on four goal contributions for a relegation-threatened team.

Arnau Martínez ✅

3 right backs feels excessive? Even with Timber + White injuries. Arteta wants him.

- can play RCB w/ great positioning
- fast & agile
- versatile & tactically intelligent
- tenacious tackler
- excellent technique & control
- above-average passing & crossing pic.twitter.com/wNuoU17APR

— The Arsenal Tom (@TheArsenalTom) August 26, 2025

Arsenal have already secured the arrival of Christhian Mosquera in this window to reinforce their defensive regiment this summer - the former Valencia man made his debut in The Gunner's 5-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, coming off the bench to play as a right-back. This, however, is not regarded as his regular position, and Arsenal will be keen to secure further depth for that area behind Jurrien Timber and Ben White, the latter of which was absent from the game against Leeds through injury.

Arsenal's Need for Depth

Arsenal's two opening games of their hopeful Premier League campaign may have been successful from a results perspective, but did leave the club sweating over the availability of key figures in their squad.

Ben White, as mentioned, withdrew from their opening day win over Manchester United, missing the contest with Leeds as a result. In said match with Leeds, the club also lost Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard through injury as well.

Bukayo Saka is expected to be out for around 4 weeks with a hamstring injury ❌

Arsenal's fixtures in that time 😬 pic.twitter.com/s00xbrKvNm

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) August 25, 2025

Whilst White is expected to be back soon enough, as will be the case for Odegaard, Saka is unfortunately set for a month on the sidelines, with his withdrawal from the clash with Leeds - wherein he netted his first goal of the season - being as a result of a hamstring injury which will see him absent over the coming weeks.