West Ham United set to miss out on Arthur Theate after Nayef Aguerd surgery
West Ham United are set to miss out on Bologna defender Arthur Theate after they found out the extent of Nayef Aguerd’s injury.
Claret and Hugh revealed (25 July) that Aguerd could be out of action for three months after undergoing surgery for an ankle injury he picked up against Rangers during preseason.
With the Moroccan potentially out for an extended period of time, Theate is a player that the Hammers have previously been linked to as reported by Italian news outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport [27 May].
However, it appears that Theate is no longer an option with Aguerd’s former club Rennes now closing in on a move for the 22-year-old Belgium defender, as revealed by Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio (via his personal website, 26 July).
Losing Aguerd is a massive blow for David Moyes with the defender his number one centre-back target for the summer.
With him now out, another centre-back has to be on the agenda for Moyes with Issa Diop potentially set to leave the club, with London rivals Fulham interested.
Theate would’ve been an expensive replacement for West Ham to pursue, but considering the money and effort that has been put into the transfer window thus far, it is looking crucial for Moyes to add another defensive option to his squad.
The West Ham boss should certainly consider a loan move or a cheaper player to come in and cover Aguerd until the Moroccan has fully recovered from his injury.
Let’s pray the defender is not out for longer than the three months than has been reported.