According to Santi Aouna, Crystal Palace are finalising a double deal with Girona. Arnau Martínez will join for €10m, while Odsonne Édouard is set to move in the opposite direction for €6m.
Crystal Palace are closing in on a double transfer agreement with La Liga side Girona – with versatile defender Arnau Martínez heading to Selhurst Park and Odsonne Édouard making a permanent exit in return.
Talks have accelerated this week, and the structure is now close to final. According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Martínez will cost €10 million including bonuses, while Édouard will depart in a €6m flat-fee deal.
Why Crystal Palace Want Arnau Martínez
Palace have been actively seeking full-back reinforcements this summer under Oliver Glasner. Arnau Martínez, 22, fits the brief perfectly – capable of playing right-back, centre-back, and even right-midfield when required.
He made 31 appearances for Girona last season in their remarkable third-place La Liga finish, and was previously linked with West Ham earlier in the summer.
“Arnau’s adaptability and maturity at just 22 make him one of the smartest full-back investments this summer.” — La Liga scout, via Foot Mercato
Why Édouard's Time at Palace Is Over
Odsonne Édouard has struggled to cement a regular place in Glasner’s plans. After returning from a disappointing loan spell at Leicester City, the former Celtic man is now surplus to requirements.
Since joining for €16.3m in 2021, Édouard has shown flashes of quality but never truly delivered consistent end product. His move to Girona gives him a fresh start in La Liga – and frees up wages for Palace.
Arnau Martínez vs Odsonne Édouard – 2024/25 Stats
| Stat | Arnau Martínez | Odsonne Édouard |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 31 | 24 |
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Assists | 3 | 2 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.1 | 0.9 |
| Dribble Success % | 66% | 58% |
Analyst Verdict
This is smart squad management from Palace.
Martínez brings much-needed depth and tactical flexibility across multiple defensive roles. With Édouard off the books, Palace gain financial room to manoeuvre for further additions in midfield or up front.
It’s a net-positive deal – the kind that balances the future with the now.
Key Takeaways
- Arnau Martínez joining Crystal Palace from Girona for €10m (with bonuses)
- Odsonne Édouard heading the other way in a flat €6m transfer
- Palace rebalancing squad while offloading a fringe attacker
- Martínez can play RB, CB, or RM – a Glasner-style hybrid player
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace could turn attention to midfield, where they’ve been linked with moves for Wilfred Ndidi and Isco. Expect at least one more key signing before deadline day.
Do you back this swap deal from Palace – or is Édouard’s exit a mistake?
3 Comments (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 2 Aug 2025 14:37
Good player! One who loves to work hard for his club, so good addition to Crystal Palace tbh.
By JamesLove 2 Aug 2025 14:38
Odsonne Édouard Never the player he should have been. Good riddance
By Adem 2 Aug 2025 14:36
a very thin squad, I think around 17 first-team players if im not mistaken..
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