Chelsea have dropped a major hint over a potential West Ham deal for a star following a significant offer for Isak Hien as the window draws to a close.
West Ham go to London rivals Chelsea on Saturday night looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row.
Traditionally there is no love lost between the Hammers and Chelsea, on or off the pitch.
Behind Millwall and Spurs, the Blues are actually among West Ham’s fiercest rivals historically.
So there is always plenty riding on this particular fixture as the Irons head to Stamford Bridge, never mind the fact Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate for a win to try and ensure Premier League survival.
West Ham deal with Chelsea on cards ahead of derby?
There will be a familiar face and name in the Chelsea dugout to West Ham fans of a certain vintage.
Much has been written and said about Chelsea appointing Liam Rosenior as their new manager.
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Oliver Scarles of West Ham United plays during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at the London Stadium in Stratford, England, on January 24, 2026.
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His dad Leroy is ironically most famous for scoring a brace in a famous West Ham win over Chelsea when he was a striker.
In those days Chelsea’s new boss was a young kid hanging in and around the bowels of Upton Park and admitted himself last week that is where he caught the football bug.
Liam Rosenior enters the room for his first press conference as Chelsea manager
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Rosenior made a big West Ham admission after being hired by Chelsea as he confessed he may have to tone down his affection for the east Londoners now he is Blues boss.
But there may be a transfer deal to be done between the rivals before Saturday’s crunch clash, which is just as crucial for Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions as it is West Ham’s fight to stay up.
And now Chelsea have dropped a major hint over a West Ham deal for a star after their big Isak Hien offer.
The development has raised eyebrows across both clubs, with the timing and messaging suggesting that separate negotiations may be quietly intersecting as West Ham reassess priorities and Chelsea sense an opportunity.
Chelsea drop major hint over West Ham deal after big Hien offer
West Ham have made a stunningly ambitious move for Hien, the giant Sweden and Atalanta centre-back – who can also play right-back.
Hammers fans have been left puzzled as to why the club is yet to sign any defenders in the January transfer window despite possessing the second worst defensive record in the top flight.
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A graphic showing Nuno Espirito Santo's quotes after West Ham beat Sunderland.
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That has all changed this week, though, and the push may finally bear some fruit – even if reports overnight suggest the Hien move may have been a bit of a reach.
West Ham have offered a decent fee to take 27-year-old Hien on loan for the rest of the season with a hefty price attached to a permanent obligation if they stay up.
Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi in rare first-team action
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Hammers News understands that obligation could be approaching £30m, money Atalanta are tempted by, even if there is no guarantee West Ham can achieve survival.
News from west London overnight may be an indicator that West Ham’s move for Hien has been unsuccessful, though.
Because Chelsea have recalled centre-back Aaron Anselmino from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Not only does that increase competition and depth at centre-back for Rosenior, it means Chelsea have now opened up a slot to allow one of their players to leave the club on loan before the window shuts.
Chelsea recall suggests Hammers could sign Disasi
It is suggested that player could be French defender Axel Disasi, who the Hammers missed out on to Chelsea after sporting director Mark Noble identified him as a potential signing during a trip to Monaco.
L’Equipe claim West Ham have made their interest known again in recent days and have begun discussions with their London rivals.
That suggests the move for Hien hasn’t progressed, although the Hammers are not alone in wanting Disasi on loan according to the report.
Another alternative for the Hammers is said to be Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge.
The problem is that 21-year-old Ecuador international Ordonez is wanted by a host of top clubs across Europe, including Liverpool.
As a result he is said to be considered an ambitious but ‘unrealistic’ target by the Hammers.
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