West Ham are expected to re-enter negotiations for Brazilian midfielder Matheus Martinelli this summer.
The club were linked with a move for Martinelli in the January transfer window and even made an eight-figure offer.
Hammers supporters will be excited about their ambitious pursuit of the Fluminense star, but there is a catch.
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West Ham make Matheus Martinelli summer transfer ‘priority’
Fluminense rejected West Ham’s £10 million offer for Matheus Martinelli in January and offered him a new contract.
Martinelli then decided to sign a new deal with the Brazilian club until 2030, with a £25m release clause.
However, Fluminense are not expected to demand the full release clause to sell the midfielder this summer.
They would reportedly be willing to accept a fee in the region of £17m from either West Ham or another of their many suitors.
RTI Esporte is now reporting that the Hammers have made Martinelli a “priority” target ahead of the summer.
They will be “more aggressive” than in the January window as they look to see off competition from other clubs.
A £15m offer is being considered, but that would still fall slightly below Fluminense’s £17 asking price.
Matheus Martinelli signing comes with ‘stepping stone’ concern
Matheus Martinelli would undoubtedly strengthen West Ham’s midfield, especially if Mateus Fernandes leaves this summer.
However, like Fernandes, Martinelli would probably not stay at West Ham for long, as they could sell him for a profit.
The defensive midfielder is expected to use the Hammers as a “stepping stone” to a bigger European club.
This would also benefit Fluminense, as they would likely include a sell-on clause in the deal with West Ham.
So, while Martinelli’s arrival would be exciting, Hammers fans should not expect him to become a club legend.
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