Fulham interest in Arnau Martínez forces Girona to raise transfer demands

Fulham's emergence in the race for Girona defender Arnau Martínez has reportedly complicated Valencia's attempts to sign the 23-year-old, with Girona now demanding improved terms.

Valencia had been working towards an agreement worth around €4m plus add-ons, but interest from clubs with greater spending power has encouraged Girona to reconsider their position.

According to AS, Fulham are among the clubs responsible for that change, leaving Valencia increasingly frustrated after believing they had already moved sufficiently close to Girona's demands.

Valencia have been negotiating for Martínez for some time and wanted to complete the transfer quickly.

Earlier discussions with Girona and the player's representatives had reportedly indicated that a package of approximately €4m plus bonuses could be enough to secure the defender.

Valencia were willing to work on those terms.

Tensions initially increased when Martínez started Girona's match against Leganés at the weekend despite an apparent understanding that he would be left out while negotiations continued.

Talks resumed on Monday, with Valencia improving their proposal and attempting to close the remaining gap.

The situation then changed again.

Girona reportedly altered their demands after receiving interest from clubs with "greater financial muscle", with Fulham specifically identified as one of the teams now monitoring Martínez.

Valencia's frustration comes from their belief that Girona have repeatedly moved the goalposts.

The club feel they have twice responded to the financial conditions presented during negotiations, only for those terms to subsequently prove insufficient.

Fulham's arrival has strengthened Girona's negotiating position by creating the possibility of a more lucrative Premier League offer.

Valencia have not abandoned the transfer, but their stance is now firm. They want the deal completed according to the terms previously discussed and are unwilling to continually increase their proposal because another club has entered the picture.

If Girona refuse, Valencia are prepared for the transfer not to happen.

The major uncertainty is how serious Fulham's interest actually is.

The London club have been linked with Martínez as they consider defensive reinforcements, but there is currently no indication in the report that they have submitted a formal offer.

That leaves Valencia in an awkward position.

Fulham's presence alone appears to have been enough to encourage Girona to demand more money, yet it remains possible that the Premier League side are simply assessing Martínez alongside other targets.

For Girona, waiting could produce a substantially better financial outcome if Fulham turn their interest into a concrete bid. Equally, they risk damaging an advanced negotiation with Valencia if that Premier League offer never arrives.

The next move may depend on Fulham.

If the Premier League club submit an offer, Girona's decision to hold out for improved terms could quickly be justified. If Fulham do not advance, Valencia may insist that Girona return to the conditions previously discussed.

For now, Martínez remains caught between an increasingly frustrated Valencia and the possibility of a Premier League move.

Should Fulham move quickly for Arnau Martínez, or are Girona risking losing an advanced Valencia deal by raising their demands? Have your say.