West Ham United now in transfer ‘tug-of-war’ over deal for Denis Zakaria
West Ham are now involved in a tug-of-war with Juventus in their pursuit of Denis Zakaria, with both clubs sticking to their valuations according to Calciomercato.
The Italian news outlet shared on 25 July that a deal seemed to be close between West Ham and Juventus, with an initial loan deal being discussed with a future fee of £17.2million, but that has now changed.
The Serie A side tried to increase their demands, not only on the transfer fee but also trying to impose an obligation to buy rather than the previous option, which caused West Ham to reduce their offer to a fee of around £10-11million, resulting in a tug-of-war in which neither side are willing to budge.
Tracking alternative options
While talks over Zakaria stall with Juventus, West Ham have begun talks over a number of other options to strengthen their midfield this summer. Conor Gallagher, James Ward-Prowse, Leon Goretzka and Edson Alvarez are names that have been thrown about in the last few days.
Overnight on 24 July, the Hammers were reported to have lodged bids for Gallagher and Ward-Prowse of £37million and £25million respectively as they look to push ahead in their bid to replace Declan Rice.
Zakaria, meanwhile, is also said to be exploring other options, with interest from Lens in France, and both RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen from Germany tracking the midfielder, although West Ham remain the front runners for his signature.
Juventus have moved to sign Frank Kessie in their bid to replace the outgoing Zakaria before his departure takes place, with the Italian side looking to be proactive with improving their squad this summer.
In other West Ham news, the club have made a £40million bid for key midfield target.