West Ham ready bid to sign Aaron Martin as London Stadium exit set in stone

West Ham have set their sights on Genoa defender Aaron Martin in the transfer window.

The Irons finished the season with the sixth-most goals conceded in the Premier League and must bolster their defence this summer.

Martin is solid defensively and can also contribute from an attacking perspective, notching eight assists last season for the Italian outfit.

West Ham ready Martin bid amid Cresswell exit

One of Potter’s priorities in the market is a left-back after Aaron Cresswell’s departure was confirmed at the end of the season.

A report from the print edition of The Sun (20 June, page 52) claims that the Hammers are preparing a bid for the Spanish defender.

It states that the 28-year-old had an “outstanding” campaign in Serie A and is viewed as the perfect replacement for Cresswell.

Cresswell will be a huge loss for Potter

The 35-year-old’s best days are behind him in terms of his impact on the pitch but his loss will be immeasurable off the pitch, given the leadership that he brings.

Cresswell had been with the London Stadium outfit for 11 years, having moved from Ipswich Town in 2014 and was one of the most experienced members of the squad, alongside the likes of Michail Antonio and Vladimir Coufal.

He has been touted with a West Ham return in a coaching role but could choose to continue his playing career instead.

Stats (Serie A)	Martin
Matches	36
Ground duels won	52.6%
Aerial duels won	37%
Assists	8

Martin should bring significant experience in Europe’s top-five leagues himself, having played for the likes of Celta Vigo, Espanyol and Mainz in Spain and Germany.

Whether he can have a similar impact to the departing veteran remains to be seen, but it is a smart signing if the price is right, given his attacking numbers in Italy last season.