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Soccer Transfer News

Report: West Ham close to securing summer deal for Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta

Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta warms up before the match (REUTERS)
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The Manchester City man’s contract is due to expire in the summer, and West Ham United are reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta celebrates at full timeManchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta

Reports emanating from Italy today suggest that the Hammers are closing in on completing the signing of Man City defender Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer in the summer, according to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 32-year-old Argentine has been one of the Citizens’ most consistent performers over the past nine years, after moving to the Etihad from Espanyol in 2008, but his time in Manchester looks to be coming to an end, with no new contract offer on the table as yet.

And Gazzetta dello Sport believe that West Ham are close to securing a deal for the right-back, with a three-year-contract thought to have been offered to the City star.

Slaven Bilic has a whole host of issues to address at the London Stadium this summer, if he manages to keep hold of his job of course, and the addition of a quality right-back will surely feature highly on his priority list.

And who better to bring into the club than Zabaleta?

He has a wealth of experience of playing at the very highest level, is a top professional, and would most definitely improve the Hammers’ fragile back-line.

The Argentine is also extremely versatile. He is accomplished at playing in both the centre-back and defensive midfield roles – something that could prove invaluable for West Ham, what with their less than impressive injury record.

Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta celebrates scoring their third goalManchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta