West Ham in advanced talks for Mazraoui after rejection elsewhere – David Ornstein
West Ham United are in advanced talks ahead of a deal with Bayern Munich for Noussair Mazraoui after being rejected by Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to David Ornstein.
Ornstein reported via The Athletic [25 July] that defender Mazraoui has agreed terms with the Hammers, who have also settled on a £13m fee plus add-ons with Bayern [Florian Plettenburg, 25 July] – but the deal is not yet done.
Manchester United have also retained an interest in the 26-year-old Moroccan, but a deal would only be possible if the Red Devils can sell Wan-Bissaka, who turned down a move to the London Stadium amid links with Inter Milan.
West Ham United close to Mazraoui deal
West Ham and Tim Steidten have been brazen so far in this summer window, with a squad reassembly underway to kickstart the Julen Lopetegui era in East London.
Despite several knockbacks – Wan-Bissaka and Brazil defender Fabricio Bruno come to mind – the club are slowly nailing some of their targets, including big-money moves for Luis Guilherme and Max Kilman.
Mazraoui made 29 appearances for Bayern last season, shifted over to left-back to accommodate Joshua Kimmich in his best position, and attentions have shifted solely onto the 28-cap international following Wan-Bissaka’s refusal – ironically the primary obstacle in Man Utd securing Mazraoui [Daily Mirror, 23 July].
Due to right-back Achraf Hakimi being one of the main men for Morocco, Mazraoui also often operates at left-back for his national team, qualifying him as a versatile option for Lopetegui should the club complete the deal.
Light in the area after Ben Johnson’s free transfer to Ipswich Town, West Ham are seeking a more than adequate replacement and certainly one with big-game pedigree.
In other West Ham news, two loan bids have arrived for a Hammers player.
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