West Ham United to cause pain as Martinez set for bargain £12m transfer
West Ham are keen on signing Girona star Arnau Martinez this summer.
Martinez has been impressive as a right-back in La Liga for Girona despite their disappointing season, and could now leave this summer.
West Ham are in the market for another right-back following the departure of Vladimir Coufal, and the Spaniard could be an ideal option.
Martinez is available at a low price, and it has now been claimed that his potential move to West Ham will be a brutal one for the Catalan side.
Martinez could join West Ham for £12million
Graham Potter is keen on adding more defenders to his squad, and Martinez would be able to make an impact across the entire back line.
The 22-year-old has become a key player at Girona, particularly after the departure of Yan Cuoto to Borussia Dortmund last year, and typically plays as a right-back.
It has been reported by Spanish outlet AS (July 13) that West Ham are knocking on the door to sign the defender, and his departure would be “painful” for Girona to cope with.
| Season | Appearences |
| 2024/25 | 32 |
| 2023/24 | 21 |
| 2022/23 | 33 |
With a release clause of around £12 million, his sale would be a financial boost for Girona, while this would also be a bargain price for West Ham.
Martinez has made 162 appearances for Girona, and would arrive with Champions League experience under his belt.
Martinez an ideal signing for West Ham
The departure of Coufal has meant that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the only natural right-back at the club, and if Potter changes formation to a five-at-the-back system, a more attacking option would be necessary.
Martinez can be exactly that with 18 assists to his name, and he is also able to cover on the left if needed, while this price and his age could make him an excellent long-term option.
West Ham were defensively poor last season as they shipped 62 goals in 38 games, and new reinforcements in the back line will be welcomed as they aim to improve from their 14th-placed finish last time out.
Nayef Aguerd is set to leave, and West Ham could look to bring in another centre-back in addition to Martinez.
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