West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Fiorentina’s Argentine defender Lucas Martinez Quarta after an impressive start to the ongoing season.
According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Premier League side West Ham United’s attention has been attracted to Fiorentina defensive prodigy Lucas Martinez Quarta, who has been having a “simply perfect season” so far for Vincenzo Italiano’s side, and it could cost as much as €25 million to lure him away from Florence.
West Ham boss David Moyes brought in Konstantinos Mavropanos as reinforcement for his centre-back department. The Scotsman also pushed to land Manchester United’s Harry Maguire over the summer, but a move collapsed, even though there still remains an interest in the England international’s services.
With the Greek international added to a squad that already boasts Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna, and Thilo Kehrer, it leaves the manager with a strong selection. However, Mavropanos has largely been overlooked for selection thus far, having to make do with just a single Premier League appearance this season.
With Ogbonna in his twilight years and injury-prone Aguerd surfacing as a major target for Saudi Pro League clubs, it seems the Hammers are sizing up another new centre-half in Argentina international Lucas Martinez Quarta.
The 27-year-old is a mainstay at the heart of the defence for La Viola this season, and his rock-solid displays at the back have helped their cause as they currently sit fourth in Serie A.
A technically solid and assured player on the ball, he boasts the recovery pace and height necessary to compete well in aerial duels with robust forwards. His good marking and passing range have made him a fundamental piece in Vicenzo Italiano’s system.
The Argentine ace is also proving to be quite useful at the other end of the field, having scored twice and bagged an assist.
His stellar displays in Florence have not gone unnoticed, with Argentina national team boss Lionel Scaloni recalling him to the international fold during the recent international break. He even got an hour off the bench in the 2-0 victory over Peru in midweek.
Calciomercato now reports Premier League sides West Ham and Brighton have taken note of his impressive form, and although the duo have not yet opened the transfer talks, the two English sides are keeping tabs on the defender’s situation and are weighing up whether to pounce either in the upcoming winter window or next summer.
In terms of his potential value, the report adds that Quarta’s worth has almost doubled since his €13 million arrival from River Plate in 2020, and Fiorentina can expect to net around €25 million for his services in 2024.
At 27 years old, Quarta doesn’t boast much resale value, but the experience is something that Moyes tends to favour above anything else, so if the 27-year-old is available for a transfer come January or next summer, then expect the Irons to be sniffing around it.
