Gazzetta Dello Sport – as per GIFN – claim that Bologna man Arthur Theate wants to join West Ham this summer, with a fee of £8.5million enough. The Belgian only joined Bologna on loan with an obligation last summer.
Belgium international Theate, 22, was signed by Bologna after Arsenal completed a deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu. He has since impressed for the Serie A club, playing 34 times and even scoring on two separate occasions.
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His loan will be made permanent but after just one season, but the versatile defender could be off already. West Ham have kept a close eye on Theate’s form of late, and the Hammers are planning a summer move.
West Ham need cover at left-back and at centre-back and Theate fits the bill. Now, Gazzetta claim, as per GIFN, that Theate himself would be keen on a move to the Hammers – and Bologna are open to his exit for £8.5million.
Theate wants West Ham move: Potential bargain at £8.5m
It is a surprise move for Theate given he only just joined Bologna last summer. But a brilliant one for the Belgian. A move to the Premier League having played in Belgian football just 12 months ago.
While he might struggle to play for the Hammers from the start initially, he has age on his side. He will also benefit from West Ham qualifying for the Europa Conference League, where the depths of the squad will be used.
For just £8.5million, he could be a real snip for the Hammers – if he can reproduce the form he has shown over the last season in Italian football.
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