Arsenal have emerged as a surprising contender to sign Girona defender Arnau Martinez before the end of the transfer window. The Gunners recently took their transfer spending to over a quarter of a billion pounds when they completed the signing of Eberechi Eze. Many expected their transfer business to stop there, but Andrea Berta and the recruitment team appear to have turned their attention to the defence.
Links to Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie have already surfaced, with credible reports confirming that interest is concrete. He is not the only defender Arsenal are considering, and the latest reports suggest the club are now looking at a more right-sided option.
Arsenal table offer for Arnau Martinez
According to Santi Aouna of Footmercato, Arsenal have approached Girona for Arnau Martinez. The report states that the Gunners have even tabled an offer worth €10 million, including add-ons.
The 22-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract, but Girona are reportedly open to selling as they seek to refresh their squad this summer. Following the departure of Miguel Gutierrez, Martinez was expected to be a defensive cornerstone for Girona. However, with Napoli and West Ham also showing interest, his future could lie elsewhere.
Martinez rose to prominence three seasons ago as one of the standout performers in Girona’s exciting side. Primarily an attacking right-back, he is characterised by his technical ability on the ball. He has also shown impressive versatility, featuring across the right flank and even in midfield.
What it could mean for Arsenal
These links emerge as Ben White reportedly picked up a knock in the build-up to the Leeds game. If accurate, Arsenal may be looking to add more depth on the right-hand side.
Any further defensive additions, though, will likely depend on player exits. Jakub Kiwior is expected to depart before Arsenal move for Hincapie, and the same logic could apply to Martinez. That said, transfer situations can change quickly, and Arsenal appear to be keeping their options open.
Girona star admits he likes “Arsenal a lot”
Would Arnau Martinez be a smart signing for Arsenal at this stage of the window, Gooners?
Benjamin Kenneth
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The move for Hincapie is very close to being done (which is a big surprise for me) with his salary agreed and Arsenal in final negotiations with his club regarding the fee. Also Kiwior is close to his move to Porto with a €4 million loan fee agreed with obligation to buy at end of season for €26 million.
Another day, another player arriving? I’m not sure what Arsenal will do with them all. Even with Kiwior possibly on the move, more are coming in than going out.
there is still a week. outgoings will take place. the club is taking caution not to lack depth
Hopefully. I’m sure Berta is working hard.
How much real demand (at the fees Arsenal are likely to want, anyway) there is for, say, Nelson, Lokonga or Vieira remains to be seen.
Wow! I can’t keep up anymore…
Amazing JBG5, something tells me we won’t have nearly as many depth concerns this season, lol. I don’t have the numbers but I can’t imagine that the PL hasn’t set a record for summer spending and I wouldn’t be surprised if it were double whatever the record is.
It’s certainly huge, but not that huge. Apparently, Noah Okafor’s arrival at Leeds Utd pushed the total spend beyond the £2.36 billion pounds spent in the 2023 summer window, according to FootballTransfers.com.
Thanks for the info. Amazing, an average of over 118 million pounds per club. And Isak to LP is still to come 🤣🤦♂️
The gods that superintend over football injuries are working overtime to derail our season. But Arsenal seem determined to frustrate them by making the right moves in the transfer market!
I didn’t support the idea of selling Kiwior, but if his heart is set on moving, and we can get an upgrade as is apparent with Hicapie’s acquisition, then I’m fine
Hicapie looks an upgrade on Kiwior,
and maybe Arnau Martinez would be a better fullback than Zinchenko defensively.
These are the moves that needed to be taken; maybe improved rotation with Hicapie and Martinez, as well as quality in depth.
Does this Summer constitute us “buying a title,” or merely trying to keep up with the other top clubs?
Asking for a friend….
“Does this Summer constitute us “buying a title,” or merely trying to keep up with the other top clubs?” – I think we’ll only really know that come 24 May 2026 after the last whistle has blown in the 2025-26 season.
Either way, the ownership is doing at least what’s necessary to at least keep us in the hunt and perhaps win a major trophy or two.
Arsenal need to sell Ben White next summer if he continues to be injured and unavailable. Martinez is a smart buy.