Pundit: West Ham United can make statement to Declan Rice by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham can make a statement to Declan Rice by signing Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to pundit Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for the four-time Premier League winner, who can operate at left back and in midfield as he does for the Ukraine national team, with ExWHUemployee first reporting the interest on June 2nd.
And according to McAvennie while Zinchenko would be a great addition to the Irons squad for the qualities he has as a footballer, he would also be the type of signing that could convince star man Rice to stick around for a bit longer too.
“I think he’d be a great signing, but what kind of money are we talking about?” he told West Ham Zone.
“What are City going to charge? I’ve just seen David [Moyes] was saying he’s happy to stick with Antonio next year, and I’m thinking really? I’ve not got a problem with him, but we saw what was happening at the end of the season. He just ran out of steam.
“It’s a strange one. Certainly want to bring someone in. I don’t know who he’s going to bring.
“The boy you’re talking about from the Ukraine [Zinchenko] would be a great addition but he would shine in that environment at West Ham. It’s a friendly place and it’s London, I keep saying it, his Mrs would love it. It’s one of them.
“I think he’d be a better player than what he is if he came. I just honestly think that he’s got so much talent, and I mean bits and bobs here and there but he’s not really shining.
“I think if he came it’s going to take a few games to get up to speed. The more games you play the better you become. I know it’s a different culture now with sports science and all this nonsense, but I don’t get it.
“I just think everything is better the more you do. Any football player will tell you no matter how much training you do, it doesn’t match up to a game situation.
“If West Ham are to sign this boy, I don’t know what the figure is and I have a feeling it’ll be too much, but if you get someone like that it will be a great statement for Declan Rice. A great statement to say look, stay here. Even another year or a couple of years.
“That’s the kind of players that you need to sign. Will West Ham do it? I don’t know.“
Rice has been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium in recent months, but it’s believed he will stay for another season at least before pushing for Champions League football.
In other West Ham news, PL giants open talks with Hammers ace’s reps for blockbuster summer move
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