West Ham United have started the 2025-26 season poorly, with the Hammers losing their opening two Premier League games heavily.
The Irons were beaten comfortably on Friday night, losing 5-1 at home to London rivals Chelsea to pile pressure on Graham Potter.
The result follows a 3-0 defeat away to newly promoted Sunderland, with West Ham fans concerned their side could be in a Premier League relegation battle this season.
Reinforcements would be welcomed in the West Ham squad, with the French media stating Potter’s men are making a move for a highly rated 21-year-old.
West Ham United FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
West Ham offer for Soungoutou Magassa rejected
Foot Mercato report West Ham have made an opening bid of €16 million plus €3 million in add-ons to Monaco for Soungoutou Magassa, but the offer has been rejected.
The report suggests the Hammers are expected to increase their €19m (£16.5m) total offer and that the Ligue 1 side may be willing to ‘sacrifice’ the midfielder in an attempt to raise transfer funds.
It also states Nottingham Forest and Roma have been keeping tabs on Magassa, who featured in seven Champions League matches for Monaco last season.
The high-energy midfielder is an academy graduate of the south-coast club and has represented France at under-21 level.
Reinforcements required in midfield
West Ham started with James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek in the heart of their midfield against Chelsea, while Guido Rodriguez partnered the Englishman against Sunderland.
With Edson Alvarez seemingly on his way out of the London club, it is clear the Hammers need additional quality and options in the heart of their midfield.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
West Ham’s defending against Chelsea was shambolic at times and the home side gave the Blues too much space between their defence and midfield.
Joao Pedro was able to pick up the ball in pockets of space, with neither Ward-Prowse or Soucek able to limit the Brazilian’s influence on the game.
Bringing in an additional defensively-minded midfielder like Magassa seems like a wise move for West Ham, who will hope to get their first Premier League points of the season away to Nottingham Forest next weekend.