There have been major developments on West Ham’s moves for two stars after an announcement from Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola are overhauling the West Ham and Man City midfields this summer.
The transfer window is now officially open and Man City are wasting little time making moves.
Things are not as straightforward for PSR-hit West Ham.
Although their ageing midfield – which is sorely lacking in guile, energy and dynamism – is in more urgent need of a complete revamp than Man City’s.
Despite the need for big changes at the London Stadium and Etihad, Potter and Guardiola have both made it clear they actually want to reduce the size of their squads.
Major boost for West Ham moves after Man City announcement
The Hammers and Citizens managers feel having bloated squads is not conducive to fostering the kind of team spirit needed to be successful.
West Ham had been targeting Club Brugge midfield ace Ardon Jashari but were forced to quickly pivot to other targets last week.
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Man City crushed West Ham’s Jashari hopes by launching their own move for the ‘Swiss Casemiro’.
Ironically Jashari’s arrival could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Hammers – in their hunt for two targets.
There have been major developments on West Ham moves to sign two midfield stars after a Man City announcement.
Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
With Guardiola gunning for Jashari, Potter’s new number one target is his Club Brugge teammate Raphael Onyedika.
Nigerian defensive midfielder Onyedika is being targeted by West Ham to lead Potter’s midfield revolution.
The Hammers are targeting players in the last two years of their contracts in the hope of more affordable deals.
Onyedika ticks that box and the Belgian club have no option, nor is there said to be any intention on the player’s side, for it to be extended.
Club Brugge have admitted they must sell this summer with a bargain fee of around £17m being reported.
Journalist issues update on Hammers talks for Onyedika
Onyedika actually shone, and scored, against Man City in a Champions League defeat at the Etihad in January.
There has been great encouragement for West Ham after Onyedika’s club agreed a deal to sign his replacement.
Other top clubs including AC Milan have been linked with the midfield lynchpin.
But the Italian giants pulled out as it emerged West Ham had agreed personal terms with Onyedika ahead of the Hammers hierarchy trying to agree a price with Brugge.
Onyedika, who has similar traits to Moises Caicedo, is also reported to want a move to the Premier League.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Now, according to journalist Ryan Taylor writing in the Sunday Mirror (June 1, page 67), the talks over Onyedika have been “positive” – leading to fresh hope he can become Potter’s first midfield signing of the summer.
Man City have given the Hammers a second boost for Potter’s hopes of adding some much-needed craft to Onyedika’s ball-winning graft.
The Hammers have had James McAtee in their sights since the January window.
It was confirmed last week that McAtee is one of Potter’s three key midfield targets this summer.
Manchester City will fly halfway across the world to play in the Club World Cup.
West Ham can push for McAtee after Club World Cup omission
But Man City have briefed journalists on the squad heading over to the US – and Guardiola has opted against including McAtee for the tournament.
The Club World Cup is the reason the transfer window has opened early this summer.
Ironically McAtee’s exclusion from it now means the path is clear for the Hammers to try and sign a player Guardiola has already admitted may have to leave in order to get the game time he wants and needs.
McAtee is in England’s pre-tournament training squad ahead of the U21s Euros in Slovakia.
But Guardiola’s decision to leave McAtee out of the FIFA event is being seen as a clear indication his time at the club is at an end.
The only bad news for West Ham is that Man United have now added their name to the list of suitors for the clever 22-year-old.
Although the rivalry between the two clubs may mean Man City are more inclined to do business with the Hammers.