La Liga in Spain is considered a step down in terms of pace and fitness from the Premier League: just ask Nayef Aguerd who found the season-long loan at Real Sociedad much more to his liking, following something of an ordeal in West Ham’s back line the year before.
So the wisdom of the Hammers shopping in the Spanish Premier League for defenders is open to some scrutiny.
Two right backs are apparently under consideration to bolster the Irons defence now that Vladimir Coufal has left the club. Whilst both would appear a ‘Coufal upgrade’, only time will tell if either are likely competitors for the shirt or merely back – up to Aaron wan-Bissaka.
The advantage offered by both players under consideration is that the duo can reportedly both play as centre-backs if needed which, with the Hammers’ current uncertainty over Aguerd’s future, may be a distinct advantage.
Girona’s Arnau Martinez (main image) is the latest defender linked, with this mornings footballfancast.com reporting:
“According to reports from Spain…West Ham are now in direct negotiations with the agents of Girona’s Arnau Martinez, with work underway to try and convince the right-back to make the move to the London Stadium this summer.
Martinez is viewed as one of Girona’s biggest assets, which indicates the Spanish side could be reluctant to sanction a departure on the cheap, but his price tag [£12 million MT] isn’t considered a problem for the Hammers”.
Contrastingly the Irons have also been in discussions with Oscar Minguenza from Celta Vigo – as West Ham look to bring in strength in depth. Minguenza at 26 has the more experience -46 appearances for Barcelona, no less, on his CV – whilst the younger Martinez at 22 might be the Hammers’ top pick. Whether either will be up to the week in, week out physical rigours of Premier League football remains to be seen. Certainly both could do a job replacing Coufal on a budget.
I keep reading reports that suggest that Aguerd seems to be in control of his situation. How does that work? Correct me if I am wrong, but from what I am reading he is no longer out on loan and West Ham are paying his wages. He doesn’t want to play for WHU anymore, but he is still under contract. So why can’t WHU tell him to turn up for training like everyone else, or forego his pay and any other benefits? If he is not playing it is presumably harder for him to attract potential buyers. If he is a problem to manage, same applies. Somehow, it is time to take a tougher line with the likes of Aguerd and Kudus.
He’s in Germany training with the squad and in whufc photos
I guess I missed that, thanks for the update Martin. So perhaps we will see him re-integrated and fighting for a place, I hope so.
Wonder how long it will be before the club denies these two?