- West Ham are expected to return for Matheus Martinelli this summer
- The Hammers had a bid rejected for the Fluminese midfielder in January
- West Ham currently sit two points above the Premier League bottom three
West Ham United are making strides in their Premier League survival fight and are making summer plans with team determined to not end up in the same position, should they confirm safety.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are now expected to return for Matheus Martinelli, a player they tried to acquire in January. The Hammers saw a bid for the Fluminese defensive midfielder rejected and are now expected to return for the player, with him being one the side’s priority targets.
The 24-year-old Brazilian is wanted by a number of team’s in Europe but was deemed not for sale in the winter window. That is expected to change this summer and West Ham are serious about their interest and expected to return for the player, ready to name a price.
The failed bid was in the region of £10 million and whilst Martinelli has signed a new deal, he is open to a move in the summer.
Who is Matheus Martinelli?
Martinelli is a defensive midfielder who has spent his entire career-to-date at Brazilian giants, Fluminese. The Sao Paulo native has racked up over 300 appearances for the club and is now coming into his own at 24-years-old.
In 21 appearances this season, he only has two goal involvements but that is not Martinelli’s strong point, rather focusing on ball control, tempo and the defensive side of the game. The 24-year-olds best strengths lie in his passing ability and tackling style, with the player able to control the game from deep holding position.
Matheus Martinelli’s Fluminese 2026 Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 21 | 0 | 2 |
It is believed West Ham see Martinelli as a long-term replacement for Tomas Soucek. The midfielder matches the Czechia international in tackling but brings a wider ranges of passing as the Hammers look to upgrade their holding midfield are.
