West Ham are showing a strong interest in signing Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka this summer.
According to a report from The Telegraph, West Ham are battling Fulham for the summer transfer window signing of Ao Tanaka.
READ ALSO: Report: West Ham in for ‘extraordinary’ attacking midfielder after missing out in January
Hammers boss David Moyes desperately needs to bolster his central midfield ranks this summer, with Declan Rice widely expected to leave the club.
West Ham have been lined with the likes of Joao Palhinha and Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat (Tuttomercatoweb).
However, it seems as though a slightly more obscure name is on the Hammers’ radar as well…
West Ham now want to sign midfielder Ao Tanaka who scored vital goal at the World Cup
The Telegraph claim that the 24-year-old is on the Hammers’ radar this summer.
Tanaka is a central midfielder but he can also operate in a defensive midfield role or even as a number 10.
The 19-capped Japan International is a highly technical player and he is a really hard worker as well.
He has energy and athleticism in abundance, although it must be said that he might find it difficult to adapt to the intense nature of Premier League football what with his diminutive stature.
However, Rheinische Post claim that he could be available for a fee of at least £2.6 million. That bargain price means that the Hammers can’t really go wrong by taking a punt on him.
Who knows, Ao Tanaka could be an absolute disaster for West Ham, but he could also end up being a brilliant signing for us. After all, you don’t get 19 caps for Japan if you’re not very good.
I think that it will be worth Moyes’s time to take a punt on the Japanese star.
READ ALSO:
Report: West Ham now set to make an official £40m bid for ‘brilliant’ 27-year-old
Report claims West Ham are ready to make a £25 million bid for ‘incredible’ midfielder
Report claims West Ham have just opened talks to sign Argentina international attacker
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
