According to Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham are interested in bringing Bologna defender Arthur Theate to the Premier League this summer.
What’s the story?
Well, West Ham are in need of new defenders, and it seems David Moyes is now planning to target Italy for reinforcements.
Gazzetta dello Sport believe Theate – who Bologna paid €6m (£5m) for last summer – could now leave the Serie A side, due to tension between him and Siniša Mihajlović.
The pair’s relationship took a dent after the 22-year-old was substituted at half-time in the recent 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo.
Now, the Italian news outlet believe an offer of €10m (£8m) would be enough to start negotiations between West Ham and Bologna, which is peanuts for a Premier League side.
In 34 appearances this season, the Belgium international scored two goals for Bologna, while also providing one assist.
Theate has primarily played in central defence, although he did also make one appearance at left-back this season.
Arthur Theate would be perfect for West Ham
In our view, Theate would be a great addition for the Hammers this summer, due to his versatility.
Above all, West Ham need to strengthen the centre-back department, although a fresh face at left-back also wouldn’t go amiss.
Nobody knows if Angelo Ogbonna will be the same player once he fully recovers from his serious knee injury.
Elsewhere, Issa Diop could also leave, with Newcastle interested.
Seeing as Theate can play in both the centre, and on the left, of defence, he would be a very useful squad option for Moyes to have at his disposal.
The Irons also wouldn’t have to break the bank for his signature, so if the signing doesn’t work out, it won’t hit West Ham too hard in the pocket.
Keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen this summer.
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