West Ham are reportedly interested in a defender who spent five years at Stamford Bridge. He could make a return to London.
The Hammers are in desperate times at the moment. Nuno Espirito Santo knows they need to recruit well in January if they are to survive relegation this season, as they are currently sat 18th, on just 14 points after 21 games.
West Ham have conceded the most goals in the Premier League so far. They have let in 43 goals in their 21 matches, and are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
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The likes of Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos have struggled this season, so it is no surprise that West Ham are looking to sign a new centre-back.
West Ham keen on £43m former Chelsea star
According to a report by the Daily Mail, West Ham have identified Braga centre-back Bright Arrey-Mbi as a target this month, as they look to strengthen Nuno’s back four for the remainder of the season.
The 22-year-old spent five years at Chelsea, before moving to Bayern Munich in 2019. He then joined Portuguese side Braga in July 2024 after a series of loan moves in Germany. It is understood that West Ham are keeping tabs on Arrey-Mbi, who has made 57 appearances since joining Braga, becoming a regular starter in Carlos Vincens’ side.
He has a £43m release clause in his contract at Braga, and so West Ham could sign him without obstacle if they wanted to. Although, his value is considerably less, as in Portugal they often utilise hefty release clauses in contract negotiations.
So, West Ham could sign the 22-year-old German for much less, but it depends on how much Braga want to keep hold of him.
Are the Hammers considering any other defenders?
Another defender who has been linked with a move to the London Stadium is Celta Vigo full-back Oscar Mingueza, who has also been linked with Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Mingueza has more experience than Arrey-Mbi, and is more versatile too, although, he isn’t as established as a centre-back, so it really depends on what Nuno is looking for specifically.
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