West Ham have received somewhat of a transfer blow on the first day of the new year with Le 10 Sport claiming that Chelsea are eyeing a January swoop for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan.
In other news…Report claims West Ham could send attacker out on loan in January
Hammers boss David Moyes was keen to bring the 20-year-old centre-back to the London Stadium in the summer, according to France Football (October 20th edition, page 4).
It now seems that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard could be leading the race for Mohamed Simakan, however. And it would be no surprise to see the youngster end up at Stamford Bridge this month.
Le 10 Sport claims Chelsea have made contact with Strasbourg about a potential £13.5 million deal to sign the 20-year-old.
Both the Blues and the Hammers need to add more youth to their central defensive departments.
And Simakan could be just the man for the job. Unfortunately for West Ham, however, it seems as though Chelsea are primed to acquire the young Frenchman’s services.
Chelsea ahead of West Ham in Mohamed Simakan race
The 20-year-old made 19 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg last season. In those outings, the Frenchman averaged 2.8 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game. He also won an average of 2.1 aerial duals per match during that period of games (Who Scored).
This season, Simakan has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.1 clearances and 1.6 successful aerial duels per game in 17 Ligue 1 appearances (Who Scored).
Those number really are very impressive for someone so young.
For just £13.5 million, Simakan would be a great, cost effective signing.
Unfortunately for West Ham, however, it seems as though Chelsea are now front-runners for his signature.
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