West Ham were desperate to bring in a right-back during the summer transfer window and ended up signing Alvaro Arbeloa on a free transfer after his release from Real Madrid, but he was very much a reserve choice.
One of the Hammers’ primary targets for the position was Club Brugge’s Thomas Meunier. The Belgian had impressed for Brugge which prompted PSG to make a £5m move for the fullback prior to Euro 2016 where he impressed for his country.
The 25-year-old has revealed he had offers from a number of clubs, including West Ham, but the chance to play in the Champions League for the Ligue 1 champions was too good to turn down.
“I could choose between six or seven clubs, most of the English Premier League,” Meunier told French outlet Telefoot (h/t the Express).
“There was interest from West Ham, Middlesbrough and Tottenham. From Italy, there was interest from Napoli, where I almost signed a contract. PSG were the last club to jump into the dance.
“Here I am statistically more likely to play in the Champions League than in Naples. That’s why I opted for PSG.”
West Ham have been forced to use Cheikhou Kouyate at right-back this season and signing an experienced player at the position is a summer priority for Slaven Bilic.
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