Crystal Palace and Fulham Lead Race for €8m Girona Full-Back Arnau Martínez

Girona young right back Arnau Martínez has landed at the centre of one of this summer's hottest transfer agendas. 

According to exclusive information obtained by SportsBoom, the 23-year-old Spanish player is preparing to leave his club, and multiple major clubs are chasing him.

Crystal Palace and Fulham sit at the very front of the race. 

SportsBoom can reveal that both English clubs have made direct contact with the inner circle of Martinez regarding personal terms. 

This move represents a clear indicator that both clubs take the transfer seriously. 

The initial stage of the talks gathered information about his situation, but no agreement level has been reached yet. Real Betis, Ajax and PSV are also among the followers, but for now Palace and Fulham steer the process.

Both clubs are looking for defensive reinforcements as Fulham's Antonee Robinson and Palace's Maxence Lacroix have been linked with moves away. 

€8 Million The Most Attractive Clause in the Market

What makes Martinez one of the most popular names of this summer transfer window is not only his performance. 

The €8 million release clause in his contract effectively transforms him into a discounted star. 

The interested clubs can capture a world-class right back at a price well below his market value. 

Opportunities of this kind rarely emerge in the transfer market. Therefore, it is not surprising that the race is heating up so much. 

For the player whose contract continues until June 2027, Girona does not portray the image of a stubborn seller. This attitude could accelerate the negotiation process even further.

The Numbers Do the Talking

Martinez experienced a strong 2025/26 LaLiga season. 

He appeared in 35 matches, scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists. 

For clubs expecting both defensive discipline and effective attacking involvement in the right back position, Martinez possesses the exact profile they seek.

The player who joined Girona in April 2021 has remained among the indispensable names of the club until today. 

The balance and consistency he displays on the pitch put him on the radar of not only Spain but also Europe.

International Experience at a Young Age

Martinez has been capped 12 times for the Spain U21 National Team. 

At 23 years old, an international accumulation of this level reveals how steep the development curve of the player truly is. 

He draws a player profile with the capacity to adapt immediately to a high-tempo and physical league like the Premier League.

It is evaluated that Crystal Palace and Fulham take exactly this point into account. 

When viewed from the perspective of long-term investment, Martinez represents an attractive option not only with his potential today but also in the future.