West Ham United are setting their sights on Genoa’s Aaron Martin as they seek to reinforce the left side of their defence following the departure of long-serving full-back Aaron Cresswell. This is according to Football Insider.
Now Martin has emerged as a serious candidate on the Hammers’ shortlist, with the Spaniard’s standout displays in Serie A last season catching the eye of multiple suitors across Europe. Known for his technical delivery and attacking threat down the flank, the 28-year-old clocked an impressive eight assists in 36 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most creative defenders.
Having already plied his trade in La Liga, the Bundesliga, and Serie A, Martin brings a rare blend of experience and consistency. Since his arrival at Genoa from Mainz on a free transfer in 2022, the left-back has steadily grown into a key figure for the Ligurian side, amassing 38 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign as the club secured a mid-table finish in Italy’s top flight.
The Spaniard’s contract with Genoa runs until June 2026, but interest from the Premier League could prompt negotiations if West Ham follow up their interest with a concrete offer. Valued for his ability to play in both traditional back four systems and more advanced wing-back roles, Martin would offer immediate depth and tactical flexibility to a Hammers side in transition.
West Ham’s current left-back options are thin, with Emerson Palmieri, the Italian international, now approaching the final year of his deal at the London Stadium, and 18-year-old Oliver Scarles yet to fully break into the senior team. Martin’s arrival would provide competition and ensure a seamless succession plan as Graham Potter reshapes the backline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
With over 250 senior club appearances under his belt and international pedigree as a former Spain Under-21 regular, Martin has the profile to bring both stability and quality delivery from the flanks, attributes West Ham lacked at times during the past season.
Whether Genoa are open to parting ways remains to be seen, but with West Ham’s need for a proven left-back clear and Martin’s attacking output raising eyebrows across Europe, the next few weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether the Spaniard swaps the Italian coast for East London.
