Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 10 March 2026 18:03, UK

West Ham United are targeting AC Milan defender Pervis Estupinan, with a move for the Ecuadorian making sense when comparing him to El Hadji Malick Diouf.

The Hammers’ Senegalese left-back has been subject to interest for a summer move away from London Stadium in recent weeks.

Ideally, Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to keep Diouf at West Ham next season, but that may depend on the Irons’ status within the English football pyramid.

Even in that event, they could still lose the 21-year-old, and if that is the case, then Estupinan makes perfect sense for a move to West Ham.

How Pervis Estupinan compares to West Ham’ Malick Diouf

Whether or not West Ham are looking to find a replacement for Diouf or find a suitable player to compete with him, Estupinan certainly makes sense when comparing them.

Reports from Italy have shared West Ham’s interest in Estupinan ahead of the summer transfer window.

As per Sofascore, while Diouf does win more duels, the pair are fairly similar across the board in other categories.

Estupinan does win when it comes to crossing accuracy as per the image below, although while his percentage is higher, the Ecuadorian currently attempts less per game than Diouf.

One area in which the AC Milan man does win out over the Hammers fullback is with his general passing. The former Brighton player has maintained an 86 per cent accuracy compared to Diouf’s 74 per cent.

Additionally, although Diouf has made five assists in the Premier League compared to Estupinan’s one in Serie A, the difference in their expected assists is not much.

Overall, on paper, the Ecuadorian looks to be a similar style of player to what the Irons currently have at the club.

Moving for him would make perfect sense as either a replacement or a squad option.

The other bonus West Ham receive from signing Pervis Estupinan

If West Ham stay up this season, their summer business must keep them out of next season’s relegation battle.

The profile of the player that the E20 outfit does sign is incredibly important, and Wolves have shown this campaign what not to do.

The current Premier League’s bottom strugglers conducted their summer transfer business without signing proven players in England’s top flight.

David Sullivan must take note of that blueprint and move in the opposite direction. Estupinan’s 84 appearances for Brighton make him a highly suitable experienced option.

West Ham could do worse than to push for a move for the 28-year-old, and his experience and data show that it might be a wise one.

It remains to be seen if the Hammers remain in the Premier League, as if they get relegated, that would likely nip any talk of Estupinan joining in the bud.