West Ham have made an ‘official’ £22m offer to try and beat Arsenal to a new left-back according to a new report.
West Ham’s defeat at Man City cost Arsenal the Premier League title at the weekend.
But the Hammers’ 2-0 victory at the Emirates ultimately proved just as costly for the Gunners.
There was no lack of irony that day either as former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos got one of the goals and ex West Ham captain Declan Rice gave away a penalty.
When West Ham went to Man City, Arsenal were praying for the Hammers to do them a favour by holding out for at least a draw.
But West Ham’s defensive fragility which saw them ship 74 goals – their worst ever in the Premier League – was all too apparent once more. From within the first minute no less.
It has been clear for some time that West Ham need at least one, if not two, new centre-backs this summer as well as new fullbacks on both sides.
Many feel Arsenal also need to sign another top left-back and centre-back given Oleksandr Zinchenko’s performance levels and the lack of depth beyond William Saliba and Gabriel.
Arsenal and Hammers need new left-backs
The Gunners signed centre-back Jakub Kiwior but he has ended up deputising at left-back for long spells.
Ironically both Zinchenko and Kiwior were heavily linked with West Ham before joining Arsenal. Now the Hammers could get a measure of revenge.
David Moyes made no secret of the fact he preferred to have a small squad.
So that is what Julen Lopetegui will inherit at West Ham.
Aaron Cresswell turns 35 later this year and is currently West Ham’s only back-up for Emerson at left-back.
The latter is nearly 30 himself and his own form has tailed off recently.
Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is said to be prioritising defensive reinforcements and a striker for Lopetegui.
And it seems he’s not hanging around.
Because West Ham have made an ‘official’ £22m offer to try and beat Arsenal to a new left-back.
West Ham make ‘official’ £22m offer for Kadioglu
According to a ‘breaking news’ report from AS Marca Turkey on Wednesday afternoon, West Ham have made the ‘official bid’ to Fenerbahce for versatile left-back Ferdi Kadioglu.
And the report says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the 24-year-old. So much so he would ‘love to sign him’ this summer.
“Special – Breaking News: West Ham United made an official offer of €26M (£22m) to Fenerbahce for 24-year-old versatile left-back Ferdi Kadioglu,” AS Marca Turkey reports.
“Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also a big fan of the player and would love to sign him.”
Football analysts WhoScored say Kadioglu, who can play left, right and centre-back, has ‘no significant weaknesses’.
His passing, finishing and defensive contribution is rated as ‘very strong’.
Kadioglu’s strengths include dribbling, key passes, crossing and holding on to the ball.
Fener fans have been reacting to the news with incredulity – saying Kadioglu is worth at least £35m.
West Ham fans have been angered by news Lopetegui could retain Cresswell.
That is being seen as a lack of ambition from the club under the new manager.
Hammers moving fast to win race for Turk
But this suggests plans are in place to bring in another left-back and a top one at that.
Kadioglu used to be a Dutch Under 21 international having been born in Holland.
But he will play for Turkey at the Euros having switched allegiances two years ago, making 15 appearances since.
If accurate, West Ham will be hoping their swift action will get the player secured ahead of Arsenal.
It would certainly be a great way for the Hammers to start their summer window – by bringing in the modern, pacy young full-back the team has needed for years.
And one who can operate on both sides – and at centre-back if needed – no less.
You can check out Kadioglu in action in the video below.
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