So Chelsea could well deal West Ham United a big blow in the summer transfer window it seems.
West Ham and Chelsea managers Julen Lopetegui and Enzo Marseca are clearly keen to strengthen their respective ranks at the London Stadium and Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
Read the Hammers News West Ham player ratings from 2-2 pre-season friendly draw with Ferencvaros by clicking HERE.
Lopetegui has already made some strong additions to his squad, but many more are required if the Hammers are to be competitive on all fronts next season.
The Spaniard is said to be looking for at least six new signings this summer, so that means we can expect three more new arrivals as a bare minimum.
His main priority will be to sign a top-class striker, but once that’s done, another central defender may well be on his radar.
However, Chelsea could well damage one of the West Ham head coach’s plans…
Chelsea to cause West Ham big summer transfer window problem
The Blues look set to deal a big blow to Lopetegui’s reported transfer plans this summer.
According to a report from Radio Punto Nuovo, Chelsea have made a move to sign Mario Hermoso on a free transfer, after his release from Atletico Madrid – a player who is believed to be a key transfer target for the Hammers this summer.
Football analytical website Breaking the Lines describe Hermoso as an ‘incredible’ central defender.
He’d be a real snip for us this summer, considering how many players Lopetegui needs to sign and the limited finances he has available to him.
So Chelsea throwing their hat in the ring for Hermoso’s signature is quite clearly a blow for us.
The 29-year-old is obviously well-versed in playing in an extremely organised and well-drilled back-line under Diego Simeone at the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium.
With that in mind he’d fit right in under Lopetegui at West Ham, playing alongside Max Kilman.
In 31 La Liga appearances for Atleti last season, Hermoso averaged 1.5 tackles, one interception, 2.6 clearances and 1.5 successful aerial duels per game (Who Scored).
He’s a very good passer of the ball as well, and is comfortable when in possession. In La Liga last season, Hermoso made 57.4 passes per game on average and recorded a completion rate of 87.1%.
Standing at 6ft tall, the Spain international isn’t the tallest of central defenders, but he more than makes up for that with an impressive spring and leap.
He can play at left-back as well, and the fact that he is left-footed makes him the ideal upgrade on Nayef Aguerd and the perfect long-term replacement for Angelo Ogbonna.
Chelsea beating West Ham to the free signing of Mario Hermoso in the summer transfer window would be a big blow for us as far as I’m concerned.
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