West Ham ignite Malick Thiaw pursuit after £25.5m developments in Italy
West Ham are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements and they may reignite their interest in Malick Thiaw.
The Hammers have conceded the fifth most goals in the Premier League this season with only the three relegated teams and Wolves conceding more.
The likes of Jean-Clair Tobido and Konstantinos Mavropanos have failed to impress, especially during Graham Potter‘s stint in the dugout.
As a result, the Hammers are likely to be in the market for multiple defenders when the summer transfer window opens.
West Ham can seal £25.5m Thiaw transfer
Thiaw is a player who has been on the London Stadium outfit’s radar for years, but they have not acted on their interest in the past.
A report from Tuttosport (3 May) claims that the Irons are very interested in sealing a deal for the German defender.
It states that the 23-year-old would be available for a fee of £25.5million as AC Milan look to raise funds for a new centre-back.
Thiaw would be a great addition for West Ham
Potter is desperate for fresh impetus after a dismal season that has seen the Hammers drop to 17th place in the top flight as he struggles to overturn the horrendous start made by Julen Lopetegui.
The young defender would be a great start to business as he has shown a lot of promise since moving to Milan from Schalke in 2022.
| Stats (Serie A) | Thiaw |
| Matches | 21 |
| Pass Accuracy | 93.4% |
| Ground duels won | 80 (58.4%) |
| Aerial duels won | 47 (63.5%) |
| Minutes played | 1727 |
He has made 86 appearances for the Serie A outfit and has proved to be a physically imposing player with his aerial prowess and tough tackling being particular strengths of his game.
His passing from the back is another aspect of his game that will help Potter take his side to the next level, as he is very capable with the ball at his feet.
If the East London club can secure what would be a bargain deal for the three-cap international, then it would leave them with more funds to strengthen other areas.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers can bring the defender to London but the interest in certainly encouraging as it is exactly the kind of player they should be targeting, a young talent with plenty of experience in a top-five league.