Published: 4 hours ago

West Ham United weigh up Arnau Martinez swoop

West Ham United will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Spanish youth international Arnau Martinez from La Liga club Girona in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Arnau Martinez is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Girona full-back has emerged as a target for the East London club.

The Spaniard will not cost a bomb, as he has a release clause worth £12.8 million in his contract with the Catalan outfit. Meanwhile, Martinez can also play as a centre-back, with his versatility making him an attractive target for West Ham United this summer.

Arnau Martinez and his career so far

Arnau Martinez has established himself as one of the best young prospects in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Girona FC. A native of Dalt Prize, the 22-year-old highly-rated defender spent his formative years in Spain, passing through the academies at CE Premia da Dalt, Barcelona, and CE L’Hospitalet before graduating from the youth division at Girona FC.

The Spanish full-back has been a mainstay at the back for Girona for several seasons, turning out over 150 times thus far while chipping in with nine goals and 18 assists. Meanwhile, Martinez’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. West Ham United will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

London calling?

West Ham United’s interest in Arnau Martinez is understandable. The Hammers are scouring the market for a right-back this summer after parting ways with Vladimir Coufal as a free agent. In addition, the East London outfit can do with a centre-back after Jean-Clair Todibo failed to make his mark in the 2024/25 season.

So, Martinez has emerged as a viable target, as he can be a one-stop solution for both problem areas. However, several other defenders, including Oscar Mingueza, are on West Ham’s radar. Meanwhile, Martinez will not cost a bomb in the summer transfer window, as the 22-year-old Spaniard has a release clause worth £12.8 million in his contract with Girona.

While Girona will aim to return to the UEFA Champions League after playing in the competition in the 2024/25 season, the decision on Martinez’s future is out of the Catalan club’s hands. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the £12.8 million-rated Spanish youth international.

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