David Moyes is interested in West Ham United signing Maxwel Cornet from Burnley to add extra left-wing-back depth, now Besiktas have hired Arthur Masuaku in a loan-to-buy deal.
David Moyes interested in Maxwel Cornet taking defensive role at West Ham
West Ham United are ready to trigger the release clause in the contract of Maxwel Cornet, as David Moyes steps up his interest in the Burnley winger. That’s according to the Evening Standard, who report that talks are ongoing between the Irons and the Clarets over a deal.
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Moyes has marked Cornet as a concrete target for the Hammers during the final month of the summer market. He believes the Ivory Coast international can provide him with further depth at left-wing-back and his more naturally-suited wide and central attacking positions.
The Irons have weakened their depth at left-back this week after allowing Masuaku to join Besiktas on a season-long loan. His temporary transfer to the Super Lig outfit also includes an option for the Black Eagles to purchase the DR Congo defender next year, per The Sun.
Moyes considered Masuaku to be surplus to requirements after the 28-year-old started in just six Premier League games last season. But the £6m signing from Olympiacos in 2016’s exit now leaves Aaron Cresswell and natural right-back Ben Johnson as Moyes’ only depth.
Maxwel Cornet has spent just 14% of his top-flight career so far as a left-back
Cornet has only spent 14% of his top-flight career so far featuring as a left-back, with 29 of 210 appearances. The 25-year-old also amassed 24 of those outings in the 2020/21 season for Lyon, before leaving the Ligue 1 club to bolster Burnley’s offence for £13m last August.
Burnley agreed to include a £17.5m release clause in the 29-cap star’s five-year contract at Turf Moor, per The Athletic. The clause also became active upon the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship in May, despite Cornet offering a team-high nine Premier League goals.
Cornet struck four of his efforts from 13 central appearances and five from 12 on the left-wing. He also offered his sole assist on the left-flank and featured once as a right-forward. From his outings at left-back for Lyon, he registered two goals and four assists in 2020/21.
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