---
title: "West Ham target Nzonzi set for Rennes switch"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/01/29/west-ham-target-nzonzi-set-for-rennes-switch/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Turk"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-01-29T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-01-29T12:15:31Z"
---

# West Ham target Nzonzi set for Rennes switch

AS Roma midfielder Steven Nzonzi looks set for a return to France, snubbing West Ham’s approach in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements this month.

According to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-west-ham-bid-to-sign-midfielder-collapses-hes-agreed-terms-with-ligue-1-big-guns/), the 31-year-old has cut his loan at Galatasaray short after agreeing on terms with Ligue 1 club Rennes.

The report claims David Moyes admires Nzonzi’s power, athleticism and Premier League experience but the transfer is said to have collapsed following extensive talks.

[West Ham have agreed a £17million deal for Slavia Prague midfielder Tomas Soucek](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sullivan-finalises-west-ham-deal-amid-late-signing-blizzard/) though, who could be announced as a new player today.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

As long as Soucek is a Hammer by Friday’s deadline, I honestly don’t think many supporters will be dwelling over missing out on Nzonzi.

Why? Well, the 24-year-old isn’t just six years younger than the France international but his statistics in the Champions League this term are far superior.

[Soucek made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game in the group stage, as well as making one key pass per game](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/143595/Show/Tomas-Soucek).

In comparison, [Nzonzi featured in five games rather than six, averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 0.2 key passes per game](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/39935/Show/Steven-Nzonzi).

Overall, I believe the proof is in the pudding that Soucek is the better long-term midfield partner for Declan Rice which Moyes can build around.

Sure, Nzonzi boasts more experience playing at a high level in Europe but I think the Czech Republic international will certainly improve the squad.