West Ham to ‘listen to offers’ for first-team regular amid Walker-Peters update
West Ham could entertain transfer offers to free up space to welcome Kyle Walker-Peters in on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old is set to depart Southampton on a free transfer at the end of the season with relegation from the Premier League all but confirmed.
The Hammers have shown a keen interest in the former England international, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign.
With that being said, Graham Potter may look to make a first-team sale before bringing the former Tottenham man to East London.
West Ham could sanction sale before Walker-Peters signs
If the Saints defender is to make a move to the London Stadium in the summer, he is likely to have demands over his minutes.
Typically, a player on a free transfer won’t accept an offer to play second fiddle, especially one like Walker-Peters, who has made over 130 Premier League appearances.
| Stat | Kyle Walker-Peters |
| Appearances | 186 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 12 |
This would mean that the Hammers may have to part ways with a regular starter to open up a gap for the Englishman ahead of the new season.
That could prove to be Emerson, who has already been heavily linked with a return to Italy after falling out of favour somewhat under Potter.
ExWHUEmployee reported on 28 March that the Irons are “prepared to listen to offers” during the upcoming window with bids for the Italian to be “considered.
This will only be amplified if a deal for Walker-Peters is realised and interest in his signature continues to develop in the coming weeks.
Emerson could leave West Ham
It is fair to say that the former Chelsea man has had some positive memories in E20 but could be at the end of the line after three years and over 100 appearances.
Since the introduction of Potter, his minutes have fallen away somewhat as the Englishman has put faith in Ollie Scarles to perform.
Looking ahead to the summer, if Walker-Peters comes in, his game time is only going to fall away further.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to keep his place and allow the ex-Southampton man to fight for his place with the youngster.