Last week, TuttoSport reported on the transfer situation around Girona’s Arnau Martinez, revealing interest from Crystal Palace and West Ham in the defender.
The newspaper claimed that the Spaniard was attracting interest from multiple Serie A sides, with the player’s entourage having been in Italy two weeks ago to find suitors.
More information has now been provided by journalist Ciro Venerato, who reports that West Ham came very close to signing the 22-year-old.
In a chat with Rai, the Italian revealed that talks were held with the Hammers and discussions are now ongoing with Napoli.
He said, as relayed by CalcioNapoli24: “Meanwhile, the club [Napoli] is evaluating Martinez, who was offered to the Azzurri by his entourage. The full-back has a release clause of €14m and a contract worth €1.3m net. Girona could sell him for as much as €10m, according to leaks from his agents.”
Speaking of West Ham, Venerato said: “Martinez was recently in talks with West Ham, but the deal fell through at the last minute. Napoli hasn’t provided any answers to the Spaniard’s agents yet. Everything depends on Juanlu. Only after that will alternatives be evaluated.”
Graham Potter’s side may well return for the talented defender, who isn’t just only 22 but is versatile enough to slot in at right-back and centre-back.
He has been a regular for Girona in the last three seasons, playing 86 times in La Liga and also featuring give times in the Champions League.
Martinez would have represented a very astute signing, considering how he is valued at only €10m despite the fact that he already has a lot of experience at a young age.
