West Ham United transfer news offers set to be made for Edson Alvarez, Joao Palhinha and Denis Zakaria – ExWHUemployee
West Ham United are set to formally approach midfield targets Joao Palhinha, Edson Alvarez and Denis Zakaria as the Hammers ramp up their search for a Declan Rice replacement, according to ExWHUemployee.
The Hammers have been identifying several targets to replace the outgoing Declan Rice, with Alvarez, Fulham’s Palhinha, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Chelsea’s Zakaria all emerging as David Moyes’ top targets this summer.
With Arsenal all but completing their move to land the England international and an announcement set to be made in the coming days, West Ham are now set to firm up their interest in a potential replacement with offers ready.
And Ex, speaking on The West Ham Way podcast [3 July] said: “Another position we will look to fill is a defensive midfielder replacement for Rice.
“The leading candidates are expected to be: Edson Alvarez, Joao Palhinha and Denis Zakaria. All will be subjected to offers and preliminary negotiations.”
Bring two in
With the Hammers linked with so many names in midfield, it seems as if Rice isn’t the only central midfield exit at the London Stadium with Soucek reportedly also one of the names to depart too.
The Times reported on 22 June that West Ham United are willing to listen to offers for the Czech international, with his contract expiring next year and no talks planned over an extension.
Given these current situations right now, it’s not surprising to see West Ham being proactive in the market and all three targets makes perfect sense especially if the Hammers seek to recruit more than one midfielder.
West Ham United simply have to bring two midfield names in as replacing Rice’s quality, character and leadership in the dressing rooms is sure to be a daunting task for the club.
Signing either of Palhinha and Alvarez who are sensational defensive midfielders alongside box-to-box presence Zakaria represents sturdy business from the Irons this summer, and that lofty ambition will be made more simpler with the added help of new and experienced technical director Tim Steidten.