West Ham ready Martinez transfer as talks begin for 12m deal
West Ham must recruit wisely to avoid another disappointing Premier League campaign.
Big money signings like Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville could not discover their best form after arriving at the London Stadium last season.
Before his first full season in charge, Graham Potter must invest wisely in the transfer market if he wants to avoid any speculation regarding his future in E20.
Defence has emerged as an area that Potter is particularly interested in strengthening, with the Irons weighing up a move for Arnau Martinez.
Martinez could make £12m move to West Ham
Along with a right-back, West Ham are also in the hunt for a left-back, with El Hadji Malick Diouf being heavily linked with a move to East London.
Girona star Martinez has emerged as a target for the Hammers, with Matteo Moretto reporting (8 July) that West Ham are in talks for the right-back, who has a release clause of £12million.
The 22-year-old has been a regular starter in La Liga for three seasons now and brings vast amounts of experience when considering his young age.
| Season | Appearences |
| 2024/25 | 32 |
| 2023/24 | 21 |
| 2022/23 | 33 |
Given his impressive debut season at the London Stadium, it is unlikely that Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s starting position is under immediate threat; however, Martinez can also play centrally.
Martinez signing shouldn’t be the priority
Whilst having more depth at right-back would be nice, it should not be West Ham’s priority, and they can’t afford to let it interfere with other potential signings.
If the fee for Martinez will not compromise West Ham’s approach for a striker and wingers, by all means, bring the Spaniard in.
But if the £12million needed for Martinez would help contribute to securing a striker to replace Fullkrug, then that transfer should take priority.
With Summerville’s latest injury ruling him out until September and Mohammed Kudus being linked with a move away, replacements must be identified and brought in before the new Premier League season.
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