By Sam Stone

20th Nov, 2022 | 10:10am

West Ham United move for Raphel Guerreiro adds further confusion to Aaron Cresswell saga

There’s no doubt that Aaron Cresswell has been an immense servant for West Ham United since he joined the club from Ipswich in 2014.

The 32-year-old has become David Moyes’ go-to left back in recent years and has repaid the faith shown in him with some dependable displays. However, as was evident in the Europa League in the 2021/22 season, his performance is certainly declining.

Despite Cresswell ageing and looking like he’s entering the latter stages of his career, there have been suggestions that he has signed a new contract extension with the Hammers (Claret and Hugh, 15 November).

Nothing official has come out of the club in regards to Cresswell, and after the Irons’ latest transfer link, offering the mainstay a new deal just doesn’t seem to make any sense.

Jeunes Footeux have reported (17 November) that the club are interested in bringing Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro and with Emerson Palmieri recently coming to the London Stadium, something doesn’t quite add up.

If Moyes is targeting another left back, then Cresswell’s time at the club would come under serious jeopardy, and with his current deal coming to a close in the summer of 2023, it’s not out of the question for the Hammers to be looking to upgrade their full-back options.

However, if West Ham have offered Cresswell a new deal, the links Guerreiro simply don’t make any sense. Having three specialised left back’s wouldn’t be the smartest move.

Making a decision on Cresswell will ultimately be a catalyst for any future transfers which are made at the London Stadium.