West Ham are pushing ahead in direct negotiations to sign Girona defender Arnau Martinez – with the Spaniard’s €14m release clause not expected to be a stumbling block. That’s the latest according to reports from La Liga and Catalan TV station TV3.
Spanish media reports suggest the Hammers have moved for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who is capable of playing at right wing-back, centre-back and even in midfield. This comes hot on the heels of El Hadji Malick Diouf landing in London to sign his West Ham contract after a deal was struck with Slavia Prague.
Some may raise eyebrows at the Irons looking at more full-backs – especially with Aaron Wan-Bissaka recently crowned our Hammer of the Year. But there’s a bigger picture here with the African Cup of Nations looming on the horizon.
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Wan-Bissaka has now pledged his international future to DR Congo, and Diouf will likely join up with Senegal. That means both first-choice wing-backs could be unavailable for up to six weeks over the hectic Christmas period.
It’s a bit of a headache for Graham Potter – and one the club is possibly preparing for if current reports turn out to be accurate.
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That said, Martinez isn’t just cover – he’s class. The versatile Girona star is a product of the Barcelona academy and played a pivotal role in his side’s La Liga success in the 23/24 season.
At just €14m, the versatile defender seems reasonably priced. As recently as a year ago Martinez was linked with a move back to Barca and reportedly scouted by Liverpool to replace Trent Alexander Arnold.
Whether this particular report turns out to be accurate or not, Potter and the West Ham board will have to factor in the AFCON participants.