Graham Potter, West Ham.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Thu 10 July 2025 18:10, UK
West Ham are potentially nearing a deal to sign Girona’s Arnau Martínez.
Martínez made 32 appearances in La Liga last term and also gained experience in the UEFA Champions League with Girona.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a target for West Ham in the last few days, as Graham Potter looks to bolster his options on the right side of his defence.
Jean-Clair Todibo’s permanent arrival currently stands as the Hammers’ only summer signing so far, but that could be about to change if they get their way with Martínez.
Picture of West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo
Todibo is West Ham’s only signing of the summer so far (Credit: Imago)
West Ham to have no issues agreeing personal terms with Martínez
Martínez is understood to already be in talks over a potential move to the London Stadium, and it could be a crucial signing for West Ham if they can get a deal over the line.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka is currently the only senior right-back option in E20, and Potter will need more depth in that area of the pitch before the new campaign gets underway.
The Hammers should now have renewed hope of landing the Spanish defender, as personal terms are “not expected to be a problem” in the deal, according to reports from Caught Offside (10 July).
The full-back’s release clause is thought to be set at around £12.9million, and while it remains unclear whether West Ham are prepared to trigger that clause, it seems as though they will be able to move forward in their discussions with Martínez with relative ease.
West Ham must add depth at full-back
West Ham are also chasing the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague, with both full-back spots seemingly high on the list of transfer priorities this summer.
The East Londoners currently find themselves badly short of options on both sides of their defence, after Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell both left the London Stadium upon the expiry of their contracts.
That has left Wan-Bissaka and Emerson as the only two options to play wide of the defence, and although there are promising talents like George Scarles coming through, the Hammers will need reinforcements who are capable of immediately playing regular Premier League minutes.
Potter has tended to operate with wing-backs during his first few months in the job, and it is no surprise that more youthful options are being targeted, with that tactical setup expected to continue into the new season.
With that in mind, Martínez could be a shrewd piece of business for West Ham if they can push through and seal the deal.
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