West Ham is reportedly set to intensify its transfer plans by targeting France midfielder N’Golo Kante. The 33-year-old, currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, has attracted West Ham’s attention following his impressive performance at Euro 2024.
The Hammers have already secured the services of Wolves captain Max Kilman for a fee of £40 million and are now leading the race to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson. Nelson, eager for more first-team football, is said to be keen on a move to West Ham, with a potential transfer fee ranging from £15m to £20m.
However, a potential deal for Kante presents a significant challenge for West Ham, as the midfielder is tied to a lucrative contract at Al-Ittihad with two years remaining. The Saudi Arabian club, backed by substantial financial resources, is under no pressure to sell Kante, making negotiations complex for West Ham.
Despite the obstacles, Kante is open to the idea of returning to the Premier League after his outstanding performances for France at Euro 2024. West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, had previously hinted at a busy summer transfer window, and the club has been proactive in strengthening the squad.
In addition to the acquisition of Kilman and Brazilian forward Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras in a deal exceeding £20m, West Ham is now poised to add Nelson to their attacking options. The club’s interest in Nelson dates back to a year ago when he was on the verge of becoming a free agent, and they have continued to monitor his situation.
Meanwhile, West Ham is also looking to bolster their defensive line and has reportedly agreed on a loan deal with Nice for centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. The Frenchman is yet to finalize personal terms, but if the agreement goes through, a permanent transfer worth approximately £27m could be on the horizon.
Furthermore, the Hammers are in the market for a right-back following the departure of Ben Johnson to Ipswich, and Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka has emerged as a primary target. The 26-year-old, who has attracted interest from clubs in Turkey, is approaching the final year of his contract at United, and the club is reportedly willing to offload him.
Wan-Bissaka, who joined Manchester United from Crystal Palace in 2019, has struggled for playing time recently and is ready to seek opportunities elsewhere. West Ham’s pursuit of these high-profile targets reflects their ambition to strengthen the squad and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, West Ham’s pursuit of Kante, Nelson, Todibo, and Wan-Bissaka underlines their commitment to reinforcing the squad and competing for top honours in the Premier League. As the club prepares for a transformative summer in the transfer market, their ambitious moves signal their intent to elevate the team’s performance and solidify their status as a prominent force in English football.