Al Ittihad beat West Ham United in race to sign Arthur Theate, medical complete – Fabrizio Romano
Arthur Theate is set to join Al Ittihad from Rennes in a £15.2million deal despite interest from West Ham, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his personal X account (3 July), the reliable transfer journalist reports that the Belgium international has already undergone a medical for a move to Saudi Arabia following Belgium’s elimination from Euro 2024.
West Ham were among several clubs who were also keen on a deal as they look to strengthen the defence, but they have been beaten in the race for the 24-year-old and must now look at alternative options.
West Ham United prioritise deal for Max Kilman
Central defence is an area of the pitch that Julen Lopetegui has prioritised for additions this summer and there have been a number of names linked.
The two most prominent names however have been Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo, with multiple bids rejected for the Wolves skipper [Northern Echo, 25 June], and a single bid rejected for the Frenchman too [Nice-Matin, 2 July].
But with Lopetegui keen on a reunion with the Wolves star and the Spaniard wants to make him captain [GMS, 1 July] if he joins, it’s clear which deal they are prioritising above all.
Realistically Theate won’t have been a prime target but would have been one of a number of options, and they were never going to be able to compete with Saudi when it comes to personal terms.
West Ham will sign a centre-back or two this summer, but Theate won’t be one of them so fans can stop looking at any links involving him.
In other West Ham news, Flamengo have opened talks to sign Lucas Paqueta and want an ‘Immediate Agreement’.
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