West Ham United should consider going back in for the Real Betis man, who is now allegedly being targeted by Arsenal.
According to a report from Spanish media outlet El Desmarque, Arsenal are interested ins signing Real Betis centre-back Aissa Mandi, and West Ham should surely revisit their interest in the Algerian.
The Spanish publication claims that the Hammers failed with a €14 million (£12.1 million) bid for the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window, but with Fabian Balbuena currently out injured, Manuel Pellegrini could really do with some defensive reinforcements, and Mandi would be just the ticket.
Standing at 6ft tall, the Betis ace isn’t the tallest of central defenders, but he possesses a fantastic leap – something that more than makes up for his lack of height.
The Algerian isn’t the fastest, but he is a wonderful reader of the game, and he would undoubtedly bring a real level of experience and quality to West Ham’s back-line.
The report from El Desmarque claims that Mandi has a release clause worth £26 million inserted into his current contract with the La Liga side, but the Hammers could surely tempt them into selling for less than that.
Central defence is certainly an area where West Ham need to strengthen.
Whilst Angelo Ogbonna is a dependable squad member, there are question marks hanging over his head regarding his ability to cut it at the very highest level.
Mandi would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the Italian, and West Ham really should attempt to hijack Arsenal’s reported interest in the Algerian.
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