According to CalcioMercato, West Ham United want to beat Premier League rivals Everton to the signature of Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech at the end of the season.
What’s the story?
West Ham are expected to be extremely active in this summer’s transfer market as the Hammers look to avoid a repeat of this season, which has seen them dragged into a relegation battle over the last few months.
There is no question that West Ham have a pull for foreign players, and according to CalcioMercato, the London club have identified Ajax’s Ziyech as the perfect player to boost their attack during the 2018-19 campaign.
The 25-year-old, who is also being linked with Everton, has scored eight goals and registered 15 assists in 36 appearances for his Dutch club in all competitions this season.
It would not be a surprise to see a number of teams join the race if it became clear that Ajax were willing to sell, but West Ham seem to be firmly in the picture for the moment.
Would Ziyech fit in at West Ham?
As discussed above, Ziyech’s statistics this season are very impressive. A creative player with an eye for goal, the Moroccan, who has previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, has the potential to thrive in the Premier League.
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According to transfermarkt.co.uk, Ziyech is valued at £18m, but West Ham might well have to break the £20m-mark to convince Ajax to sell in this summer’s transfer window.
If Marko Arnautovic is to continue as West Ham’s starting centre-forward next season, the Hammers need quality in and around him. Manuel Lanzini fits into that category, but Joao Mario is unlikely to join on a permanent deal from Inter Milan.
As a result, there would certainly be a spot in the team for Ziyech, who is at the perfect age to continue developing in the English game.
It is certainly one to watch over the next few months as West Ham prepare to battle Everton for the signature of the extremely talented attacker.
