West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is wasting no time revamping his squad, with the right-back position a major area of concern following Ben Johnson’s departure to Ipswich Town.
The Hammers reportedly hold aspirations of landing Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but the Red Devils’ intentions regarding the player remain unclear. This has led West Ham to explore more attainable options, with Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton emerging as a frontrunner.
According to GiveMeSport, Walker-Peters is seen as the “easier” option due to his contract expiring next year at Southampton. This potentially lower transfer fee makes him a more realistic target for West Ham.
The recent sale of midfielder Flynn Downes to Southampton could also prove beneficial for West Ham in their pursuit of Walker-Peters. The established relationship between the clubs might ease negotiations for the right-back.
However, West Ham are not alone in their interest. Walker-Peters’ former club, Tottenham Hotspur, is also reportedly keen on acquiring him, potentially as a backup option.
West Ham are determined to find a solution at right-back quickly as they prepare for the upcoming season. Walker-Peters’ contract situation makes him a strong contender, but Tottenham’s interest adds another dimension to this transfer saga.
While solidifying the backline is a priority, West Ham are also addressing their attacking options. Their initial target, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, proved too expensive with a £40 million price tag. The club is now exploring alternative striking solutions, with names like Alexander Sørloth and Jonathan David reportedly on our radar.