West Ham make Arsenal starlet a ‘summer priority’ to resolve problem position once and for all
West Ham have made an Arsenal starlet their ‘priority’ for the summer transfer window to resolve a problem position, according to a report.
The Hammers weren’t able to bring in any fresh faces in January, despite their hard work to find a new striker and centre-back. It means they are set for a busy few months in the market, with both positions needing reinforcements.
While their attack has remained on fire this season, it has been at the back where the lack of depth has been problematic.
So far David Moyes’ side have conceded 31 goals in the Premier League. That’s the second most of any side in the top half of the table.
Recent signing Kurt Zouma has had a lengthy spell on the sidelines already, and Angelo Ogbanna remains a long-term absentee.
Therefore, there is clearly an urgent need at the London Stadium. And it looks like they could address this by signing William Saliba.
French outlet Jeunes Footeux claim he is their top target for the next window.
West Ham are said to be willing to go to his reported valuation of €30m, or £25m. It’s clear they have those level of funds to spend.
However, whether the Gunners would accept that for the 20-year-old is another story. It seems they want to tie him down to a new contract past his current 2024 expiry.
A fresh deal for Saliba is on their agenda for this year, as per The Athletic. It’s expected he will return to the Emirates next season and compete for a first-team spot.
His current loan spell with Marseille has shown exactly why they splashed £27m on him in 2019.
The ball is in the Frenchman’s court. If he doesn’t re-sign, then Arsenal could be forced to cash in on their investment.
Potential for another West Ham move
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Meanwhile, a report has explained why West Ham were unable to complete the signing of France international Layvin Kurzawa on deadline day.
Kurzawa has struggled with injuries during his time in the French capital. Despite this, the player managed to feature in over 20 matches in every season between 2015-16 and 2020-21.
The 29-year-old has endured a torrid campaign in 2021-22, though. He began the term with hip problems and soon fell down the pecking order.
A January exit made sense for both Kurzawa and PSG. But it never materialised because of one key reason…
READ MORE: West Ham capture of PSG man scuppered by failed exit on deadline day
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