Besiktas eye deadline-busting swoop for Alphonse Areola and Tomas Soucek as talks held with four players
There could be a busy end to the winter transfer window for West Ham.
Nuno Espirito Santo has certainly been backed in the forward department, with both Pablo and Taty Castellanos joining the club this window.
Adama Traore also looks set to reunite with Nuno at West Ham.
Additionally, in terms of outgoings, there has been work done there too, with Lucas Paqueta expected to leave before the deadline.
The Brazilian would join Luis Guilherme, Niclas Fullkrug, Andrew Irving, and Guido Rodriguez in senior departures this month, with Jarrod Bowen reacting to the latter’s exit.
However, there could still be some twists and turns yet, with Alphonse Areola and Tomas Soucek now targeted.
Besiktas targeting Alphonse Areola and Tomas Soucek
Besiktas are reportedly looking to add some Premier League names to their squad in their quest to improve on what has been a poor season for the 16-time Turkish champions.
They are miles off the title race, sitting 13 points behind first-place Galatasaray.
In order to rectify their woes, it seems they are targeting experienced options from the Premier League, and in and among those targets are two of West Ham’s players, Areola and Soucek.
According to Foot Mercato, the Istanbul club has already begun talks with four Premier League players, which includes the West Ham duo.
| West Ham signings in winter 2025-26 window | West Ham sales in winter 2025-26 window |
| Pablo (£21.8m) | Niclas Fullkrug (Loan) |
| Taty Castellanos (£26m) | Luis Guilherme (£12.1m) |
| Andrew Irving (£1.3m) | |
| Guido Rodriguez (Free) | |
| Total: £47.8m | Total: £13.4m |
They are also looking to bring in Wolves’ Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor.
With Tammy Abraham’s sale to Aston Villa, the club do have more funds to act on in this window, and it remains to be seen if any concrete offers do come in.
What should West Ham do if an offer comes in?
West Ham are currently in no position to allow their key players to exit the club, but if replacements are signed, then it would make sense to sanction exits.
While Soucek has not had the same impact this campaign as he has had in previous years, his experience is still a vital quality to have in the relegation fight.
You cannot let a player of his ilk leave without bringing someone in who can fill that void.
Additionally, Areola has been the Hammers’ number one this season, but it looks as if Nuno is looking to bring Spurs’ Antonin Kinsky to the club.
The Irons are currently looking at ending Igor Julio’s loan to allow the Czech shot-stopper to join.
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