Fulham’s appearance in the battle for Arnau Martínez has caused Girona to change their asking price for the 23-year-old.
Wednesday’s print edition of AS reports Valencia are growing frustrated with their fellow La Liga side as they keep moving the goalposts, thanks to Fulham.
Fulham emergence causes issues
Valencia have been keen on Arnau Martínez for a while. They’ve made it clear to Girona that they want a deal wrapped up quickly.
Both Girona and the player’s agents have indicated that a deal could be finalised for around indicated that a deal could be finalised for around €4m plus add-ons. That was a figure Valencia were willing to meet.
They were left furious when the player started against Leganés over the weekend, despite an agreement for him to be left out. Despite this, negotiations resumed on Monday with a renewed push.
Valencia offered improved transfer terms and moved closer to Girona’s demands. However, the latter then changed the terms of the deal, prompted by the ‘emergence’ of other clubs with ‘greater financial muscle’. Fulham are one of them.
Old terms or no deal
Sport Witness covered a report yesterday explaining that Fulham were showing an interest in the player as he neared Valencia. Now their interest has prompted Girona to change their demands.
And that’s caused plenty of frustration for Valencia. On two separate occasions, they have met the figures that Girona have requested. Yet these offers have not been enough to seal a deal with their La Liga counterparts.
They’re not closing the door on a deal by any means. But Fulham’s emergence has led Girona to move the goalposts once again. They are adamant that the deal must go through on the previously agreed terms. If not, it will not happen at all.
It now remains to be seen if Fulham make a bid or are just lingering on the outskirts causing problems for Valencia.
