West Ham target Ligue 1 defender after impressive season
West Ham United are targetting defensive reinforcements this summer, and have turned their eyes toward Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd ahead of a potential move, according to reports.
The Hammers have struggled at centre-back this season, largely owing to injury. Angelo Ogbonna has suffered a season-ending injury, while both Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop have also spent significant time on the treatment table. That has left Craig Dawson, now 32 years old, as a mainstay of the defence, and resulted in him racking up over 4000 minutes.
Clearly then, centre-back is going to be a key area at the London Stadium this summer, along with the addition of a new striker to take some of the pressure off Michail Antonio, another 32-year-old that has racked up over 3500 minutes this campaign.
And, to that end, West Ham are reportedly set to target Moroccan defender Aguerd, currently plying his trade with high-flying Rennes. The 26-year-old has been a key part of a side challenging for Champions League football next season.
The Ligue 1 defender is under contract until 2025, meaning that it could take a sizable bid to dislodge him, but he would certainly provide another much-needed body in central defence for the Hammers.
West Ham lead the way for Nketiah
Meanwhile, West Ham have emerged in ‘pole position’ for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, it has been reported.
But, according to the Daily Mail, he could be making the move across London to turn out for West Ham come next season.
Adding the young striker would, on the face of it, be a very efficient and sensible piece of business.