West Ham United negotiations continue with Juventus for Denis Zakaria as transfer stance emerges
West Ham United are continuing negotiations with Juventus for midfielder Denis Zakaria but the Hammers would need to raise their offer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Hammers confirmed the departure of Declan Rice (15 July) with the England international expected to complete his big-money move to Arsenal and the club are actively seeking replacements, with Zakaria currently a top target.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Di Marzio, taking to his website on 13 July, reported that West Ham are progressing in “small steps” to secure their first signing of the summer and had tabled an £11.1m bid.
However, in a new development from the Sky Sports Italia journalist on Friday night (14 July), the two clubs are continuing in talks for the Swiss international, but the Hammers would need to raise their offer.
Also, Di Marzio has reported that Zakaria would need some time to reflect on West Ham’s interest before accepting.
He tweeted: “The negotiation goes on for Zakaria to West Ham, the player still wants to reflect a little before accepting, but West Ham also have to increase the offer a little.”
Race against time
Di Marzio’s new update certainly throws a spanner in the works for West Ham United in their attempts to finally secure their first summer addition.
It certainly seems as if Zakaria hasn’t even made a decision on his future yet which means the club face a race against time to strengthen their squad after Rice’s confirmed departure.
It’s now under four weeks left until the new season, and there have been no movement on the incoming front for the East Londoners which presents a real worry.
However, the announcement of Rice’s departure certainly means the Hammers have finally received the big-money windfall they were expecting and we should now start to see some action from the club in finding replacements for the England international.
Hopefully, Zakaria makes his decision very soon as the Swiss international would be an excellent addition to the Irons ranks and a huge upgrade on what David Moyes has at his disposal.
But replacing Rice won’t be an easy task, they probably need three midfielders through the door to compensate for that huge loss.
In other West Ham news, joint-chairman David Sullivan sends a heartfelt message to West Ham United supporters and Declan Rice’s confirmed departure.