Peter Lynch

Wed 25 October 2023 10:40, UK

West Ham United are in prime position to sign Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, according to Calciomercato.

The Italian publication reported on its website on Tuesday (24 October) that he should be available for €40million (£34.9million).

Calciomercato added that Locatelli could succeed Tomas Soucek in the West Ham midfield, with the latter’s contract expiring in the summer.

Discussing the player’s price tag, Calciomercato wrote: “A figure that is not insurmountable for Premier League clubs, in particular watch out for West Ham who, at the end of the season, could potentially lose Soucek.

“In fact, the midfielder originally from the Czech Republic has his contract expiring. Locatelli could be the ideal successor in London to the former Slavia Prague, also followed by Beppe Marotta’s Inter.”

Ideal replacement?

West Ham lost their top midfielder of the last few years in the summer as former captain Declan Rice left for Premier League rivals Arsenal. Even though they were expecting it, Hammers fans feared the worst about their first season without their talisman.

However, manager David Moyes eased those fears with the signatures of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez. And both players have hit the ground running at the London Stadium, filling the gap left by Rice effortlessly.

Soucek could now be the next midfielder out the door, even though the Czech Republic international has featured heavily under Moyes this season.

Moreover, he has proven his versatility with impressive displays in both defensive and attacking midfield, with the 28-year-old chipping in with four goals from his 11 appearances in all competitions.

If he does move on, Locatelli undoubtedly represents a great replacement, although Juventus may be reluctant to part ways with the Italian, who has been a key figure in Turin this season.

In other West Ham news, a European giant is ready to sell a Hammers-linked ace for £17million, with a summer transfer on the cards.