Fulham are in the market for a left-back as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Fulham are still keen on signing Southampton left-back Matt Targett though their chances now appear to be slimmer so far into the summer transfer window.
With the new Premier League season just around the corner and the Saints’ apparent refusal to allow the left-back to re-join Fulham where he spent last season on loan, it could now be time to move on.
The Cottagers have made four new signings this summer, but they are still short in certain areas and a left-back is no doubt a priority for boss Slavisa Jokanovic, as they would want to keep Ryan Sessegnon further up the pitch.
As it looks like a deal for Southampton’s Targett is difficult to do, the west London club would be wise to seek other alternatives and one player who could be even better for a moderate fee is Espanyol’s Aaron Martin.
A fresh report in Mundo Deportivo claim the Spain U21 international is attracting interest from the likes of Napoli and German club Mainz 05, while Espanyol are holding out for a 12 million euros fee (£10.5 million).
Such a figure is a potential bargain for a player who has already made over 60 appearances for the club while featuring for an excellent Spanish U21 side six times.
The 21-year-old has a huge amount of potential and considering Napoli’s reported interest in him, he has all the ingredients to go to the very top and that’s exactly the sort of player Fulham should be targeting.
The Cottagers will have aspirations to establish themselves as a top 10 Premier League club, but first and foremost they must make sure they preserve their top-flight status and to do so they need more players.
Martin made 32 La Liga appearances last term and is a forward-thinking player who loves to join the attack and put crosses into the box – ideal for Fulham’s possession-based attacking style of play.
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