West Ham United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for next season — provided they secure Premier League survival.
The Hammers moved a step closer to safety over the weekend, earning a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, and now sit level on points with Nottingham Forest.
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With Tottenham Hotspur also struggling, there is growing optimism that West Ham can avoid relegation and plan for reinforcements ahead of 2026/27.
Among the names being monitored is Lyon midfielder Pavel Šulc, a 25-year-old Czech international who has impressed in Ligue 1 this season.
West Ham Monitoring Pavel Sulc
Lyon's Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc. (OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon’s Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc. (OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP via Getty Images)
According to SportsBoom, West Ham scouts have been keeping a close eye on Šulc, particularly for his creativity and goal contributions from midfield.
The London Stadium club reportedly sent staff to watch four of his last five matches before he was sidelined with a hamstring injury in late February.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their attacking midfield and rotation options behind the striker, and Šulc’s combination of goals and assists has caught their attention.
However, his willingness to join West Ham is likely tied to their top-flight status; the Czech playmaker would not be interested in moving if the club is relegated to the Championship.
Other clubs reportedly tracking Šulc include Everton, Leeds United, and Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, meaning any potential move would likely be competitive.
Sulc Thriving at Lyon
Šulc began his career at Viktoria Plzeň, where he made 167 appearances, scoring 47 goals and contributing 31 assists.
He also spent time on loan at Vysočina Jihlava, Opava, České Budějovice, and Jablonec, gradually building a reputation as one of the Czech Republic’s most promising attacking talents.
His performances in the Czech league earned him a move to Lyon last year, and he has continued his strong form in France. Despite missing some time through injury, he has already recorded 10 goals and three assists in Ligue 1 this season, ranking among the league’s most productive attacking midfielders.
Šulc is predominantly an attacking midfielder but offers versatility to play centrally or even as a forward, making him an appealing option for West Ham as they look to add creativity, goals, and flexibility to their squad.
If the Hammers maintain their Premier League status, Šulc could be a key target to help strengthen their bid to compete at the top level next season.