---
title: "West Ham target Thomas Strakosha ‘open to new challenges’"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/02/10/west-ham-target-thomas-strakosha-open-to-new-challenges/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-02-10T06:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-10T06:00:00Z"
---

# West Ham target Thomas Strakosha ‘open to new challenges’

As [West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/02/09/west-ham-fans-dismiss-darren-bent-fa-cup-claim/) were deemed to be in the market for a striker in January, a rather left-field rumour [emerged from Italy](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/roma-pau-lopez-dice-no-al-prestito-in-premier-10524) linking the Hammers with a move for Lazio goalkeeper [Thomas Strakosha](https://readwestham.com/2021/01/13/west-ham-make-enquiry-for-thomas-strakosha/).

The speculation never came to fruition, with out-of-favour Irons centre-back Fabian Balbuena [mooted as a potential makeweight](https://www.ilmessaggero.it/sport/calcio/lazio_lazio_calcio_sokratis_todibo_difensore-5718327.html) in any deal.

Strakosha has now told [Sky Germany](https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/lazio-video-torwart-thomas-strakosha-im-exklusiven-interview/12212724/34955) that he is ‘open to new challenges’ following transfer links to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old [Albania international](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thomas-strakosha/nationalmannschaft/spieler/222209/verein_id/3561) has fallen down the pecking order behind Pepe Reina at the Stadio Olimpico, making just [six Serie A appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thomas-strakosha/leistungsdaten/spieler/222209) this term.

However, Strakosha did go on to [proclaim his happiness at Lazio](https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/lazio-video-torwart-thomas-strakosha-im-exklusiven-interview/12212724/34955) and his willingness to stay and fight for his place in the Italian capital.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

At the time, the links to a goalkeeper signing seemed way off the mark given the [strength David Moyes has](https://www.whufc.com/teams/first-team/squad) at his disposal in that department.

However, with both Lukasz Fabianski and third-choice David Martin seemingly [reluctant to sign new contracts](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9090329/David-Moyes-keen-sign-Lukasz-Fabianski-new-deal-reward-Declan-Rice-improved-terms.html) at the London Stadium, Moyes could require a new stopper this summer.

The Albanian’s openness to seeking pastures new could see West Ham reignite their interest, and given his [£18m market value](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thomas-strakosha/marktwertverlauf/spieler/222209), the Irons could be able to fund a deal with or without Balbuena heading in the opposite direction.