The January transfer window may now be shut, but that hasn’t stopped West Ham from being linked with new names almost immediately.
Nuno Espírito Santo used the window to freshen up his squad with five additions. Axel Disasi arrived on loan from Chelsea to shore up the defence, while Taty Castellanos has already made an impact, opening his Premier League account against Burnley.
Adama Traoré, Pablo Felipe and young Keiber Lamadrid were also brought in to add depth and energy.
However, one player the Hammers failed to land has now spoken out after reports of interest from east London earlier in the window.
Matheus Martinelli Responds to West Ham Links
Martinelli is wanted by West Ham. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Martinelli is wanted by West Ham. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
West Ham were among several clubs to register concrete interest in Fluminense midfielder Matheus Martinelli during the early weeks of 2026, according to Globo Esporte.
The report claims the Hammers made contact alongside Olympiacos, Besiktas and a number of Saudi Pro League sides, with proposals believed to be in the region of €12 million (£10.2m). Fluminense, however, were unwilling to entertain talks and swiftly rejected all approaches.
Martinelli has become a pivotal figure for the Brazilian club, operating as the heartbeat of their midfield and growing into a clear technical leader. His importance internally has seen Fluminense place a high value on keeping hold of him. For clarity, the 26-year-old is Matheus Martinelli — and has no relation to Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Speaking after Fluminense’s 1-0 victory over Maricá on Sunday, the box-to-box midfielder addressed the speculation surrounding his future but made it clear he is in no rush to leave.
“I am very happy here. I do not have words to describe my feeling for this club, a club that has done so much for me,” Martinelli said.
“If I could, I would renew my contract until 2050. It is natural that things come from outside, but I leave that in the hands of my agents and the board. Whatever is good for the club and good for me. I am not in a hurry about that. My head is calm and I am very happy.”
While Martinelli stopped short of completely ruling out a future move, his comments suggest any switch to West Ham — or elsewhere — is far from imminent. Not a firm no, but certainly not a green light either.