West Ham United face new rival for top target as AC Milan turn attentions to Abdou Diallo
West Ham are facing even greater competition for one of their top targets as Italian champions AC Milan focus their attentions on Abdou Diallo.
Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio reports on his website that, fresh off the back of securing Charles De Ketelaere at long last, the Serie A side have turned their attentions to the Senegal international and Renato Sanches.
ExWHUemployee has said the Paris Saint-Germain defender was one of the Hammers’ top defensive targets in their 28 July Patreon update, and could cost £17million.
Plans for the back line have been thrown into doubt after top summer signing Nayef Aguerd’s injury meant a sale for odd man out Issa Diop had to be held back.
French journalist Ignazio Genuardi had reported earlier on Monday (1 August) that Fulham had already joined the picture for signing the 26-year-old, ironically because their move for Diop had hit a block.
A London rival is one thing in terms of an opponent for what might turn out to be an important acquisition, in light of the bad luck that Aguerd has had, but the reigning champions from Italy are another matter.
Leeds found that the pull of the Rossoneri was no match for their stronger offer for Belgian De Ketelaere, and their draw might be a real threat to David Moyes’ plans for Diallo.
The Hammers might still be in the box seat, considering they can likely outspend Milan with Premier League money, and can offer a more advanced project than newly-promoted Fulham.
The manager will have to hope that puts the Irons in the sweet spot where money and quality meet, but the fact that Champions League football, which the former Dortmund player has had for the past few seasons, is on offer at San Siro and not the London Stadium could be a stumbling block.
Considering the effort it took to bring Aguerd to the club it was a major blow for him to be ruled out after ankle surgery.
If Diallo were to come in, and the move be funded by the planned sale of Diop, who is otherwise surplus to requirements in east London, it would rescue the situation.
But with Milan now on the prowl West Ham are under pressure to find a solution in defence, with a highly encouraging transfer window at risk of coming unstuck at the back.