West Ham United are reportedly on the verge of making Manchester City legend Pablo Zabaleta their first summer signing.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta is expected to join West Ham
The 32-year-old experienced full-back is expected to join the Hammers this summer after being released by City following nine memorable years, as reported by the likes of Sky Sports.
Right back has been a problem position for the Hammers for several years.
West Ham’s Michail Antonio did not like playing right back
Hammer of the Year Michail Antonio has been forced to play there for long periods while Sam Byram has showed signs he is up to the job but has not made the position his own.
But while Slaven Bilic is clearly keen to bring in some proven quality for the right back role, there is more to West Ham signing Zabaleta than first meets the eye according to The Sun.
Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho shoots at goal
West Ham hope Zabaleta will be something of a gatekeeper signing in their pursuit of his former City teammate Kelechi Iheanacho.
The young Nigerian striker is reportedly the East London club’s top striker target.
And The Sun claims the affable Zabaleta is close with Iheanacho after taking him under his wing when he arrived in Manchester from Africa.
Iheanacho is way down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola
West Ham will face competition from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Everton for the 20-year-old’s signature.
But reports claim West Ham are willing to double Iheanacho’s wages in a bid to lure him to the London Stadium as well as signing up his close friend.
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