Report: West Ham want on-loan Fulham defender Joachim Andersen
West Ham are in the hunt for Fulham’s on-loan defender Joachim Andersen but face Premier League competition for his signature, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claims the Irons are battling London rivals Arsenal to sign the 24-year-old from parent club Lyon, who are expected to cash in on him as the coronavirus crisis continues to hit their finances hard.
West Ham will be buoyed by the news that the central defender is keen to stay in the Premier League while he is reportedly valued at £20million.
He comes with a glowing reference from West Ham legend Tony Gale, who made over 300 appearances for the club, after he waxed lyrical about the Danish defender to the official Fulham club website in March after Fulham beat Liverpool 1-0.
“It doesn’t seem fair to single any one player out for praise after a win like that, but Joachim Andersen was absolutely sensational,” he said.
“I just think this lad really is top drawer. I know he’s only played 20-something games for us, but he’s been incredible in that time and a pivotal factor in our improvement in form.
“Things started to turn when he came into the side. He’s so good on the ball with his passing ability, but off the ball he’s great, too. He’s a leader.”
No-brainer
This is a move that ticks a lot of boxes and we’re desperate to see it happen.
Andersen is at a good age where he has accumulated a lot of experience but still has his best years ahead of him.
The Mirror’s report claims he wants to stay in the Premier League and that Lyon will likely let him go, so what’s stopping us?
There’s every chance we’re in Europe next season while Arsenal are set to miss out so surely we’re a more attractive option for Andersen, while he wouldn’t have to uproot from London.
£20million sounds like a fair price to us and it’s a position where we need to add to with Fabian Balbuena likely to leave in the summer.
That would leave us with just Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop, and their availability hasn’t always been constant.
Andersen could slot straight into the starting XI and it would be a great move for all parties.
Make it happen, GSB.
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