West Ham are reportedly closing in on the signing of Samir Nasri on a free transfer.
Nasri is undergoing a medical ahead of a deal until the end of the season, according to The London Evening Standard.
This report suggests that West Ham are willing to pay the 31-year-old up to £80k-per-week.
But this seems daft in light of Declan Rice’s contract situation. West Ham should avoid this deal and instead use that money to tie Rice down to a long-term deal.
Samir Nasri
Nasri is set to reunite with Manuel Pellegrini, who was his manager at Manchester City.
The ex-France international is a free agent but he is not eligible to play until January as he is serving a ban for doping.
It is believed that Pellegrini wants Nasri to fill the void left by the injured Andriy Yarmolenko on the wing.
With over 200 appearances to his name in the Premier League, Nasri certainly has the experience.
But on that wage and considering he can’t play until the transfer window opens, wouldn’t it make more sense to secure Rice’s future?
Declan Rice
Rice is an integral part of West Ham’s team, despite still being a teenager.
The 19-year-old has won the Young Hammer of the Year award for the last two seasons and has transitioned from centre-half to defensive midfielder with aplomb.
West Ham risk losing Rice unless they sort out his new contract. Other clubs have become alerted to the thrice-capped Republic of Ireland international’s talents.
But the Hammers still have not rewarded Rice with a new deal, despite him being one of the lowest earners at the club.
Rice should feel insulted if West Ham splash £80k-per-week on Nasri but refuse to match his reported £30k-per-week demands.
West Ham have their priorities in the wrong place. In Rice, they have a future West Ham captain in the making and they risk losing him if they spend his contract money on Nasri instead.
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