West Ham are reportedly ‘prioritising’ a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba in the summer window.
The 20-year-old is believed to be a top target for the Hammers after a quiet January transfer window.
Signed from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27million (Sky Sports), Saliba spent the 2019/20 season back on loan at the Ligue 1 club before heading to OGC Nice and Marseille.
According to a report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), as cited by West Ham Transfers on Twitter, West Ham are keen on the Frenchman.
West Ham are ‘prioritising’ a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba in the summer, according to reports in France. pic.twitter.com/rIdAkhDDCc
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) February 3, 2022
The report claims that the Irons could put ‘up to €30m’ on the table for the twice-capped France Under 21 starlet.
Highly rated in France, Saliba – previously compared to Virgil van Dijk – has earned an impressive 7.13 average Sofascore rating from 21 league outings this term.
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Under contract at Arsenal until June 2024, the French youngster is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the North Londoners.
Holding a market value of £21.6million (Transfermarkt), West Ham would likely have to pay over the initial £27million fee to land the ace.
Predominantly a central defender, Sailba can also operate as a right-back and would therefore offer additional versatility to David Moyes’ ranks.
If at all possible, this is a deal that the Hammers should pursue in the summer.
