West Ham United are reportedly discussing a deal with Manchester City full back Pablo Zabaleta.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta
According to the Daily Mail, West Ham United are in talks with Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta over a summer deal to join the club.
The Hammers have endured problems at right back under Slaven Bilic, as January 2016 signing Sam Byram has yet to prove himself in the Premier League, whilst Alvaro Arbeloa has barely been seen since joining the club in August.
The likes of Havard Nordtveit, Cheikhou Kouyate and Michail Antonio have been forced to play at right back or right wing back this season, and it’s time for West Ham to finally land real reinforcements at right back.
Now, the Daily Mail report that West Ham have opened talks with Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta over a summer deal, with the intention for him to become the solution at right back.
Zabaleta, 32, joined Manchester City from La Liga side Espanyol back in 2008, and he has been a loyal servant to the club with more than 300 appearances for the club in all competitions.
The Argentinian international, who has won two Premier League titles during his time with City, has been more of a peripheral figure under Pep Guardiola this season, and looks set to leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires this summer.
Manchester City’s Bacary Sagna in action with West Ham United’s Michail Antonio
West Ham are now believed to be in talks over a deal with Zabaleta, though it’s particularly interesting given that The Mirror recently claimed that West Ham have offered a one-year deal to City’s other veteran right back, Bacary Sagna.
Both Sagna and Zabaleta are out of contract this summer so can sign as free agents, and with West Ham allegedly keen on both, it seems that they are prioritising the signature of an experienced right back this summer.
Would you like to see West Ham sign Sagna or Zabaleta?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
