West Ham wanted Arthur Theate but the Bologna defender could yet end up signing for Leicester City this summer.
The Hammers were clearly in the market for a left-sided central defender this summer.
David Moyes eventually struck a deal though as West Ham paid big money to land Nayef Aguerd from Rennes.
Aguerd has been struck down with injury in pre-season though, with West Ham hoping the Moroccan will be back soon.
As for some of West Ham’s other left-footed targets, one of them could now end up in the Premier League anyway.
West Ham wanted Arthur Theate
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported in May that West Ham were very interested in signing Bologna defender Arthur Theate.
The Belgian defender spent last season on loan at Bologna from Oostende before the Italian side made that move permanent this summer.
Theate certainly impressed in Italy and has now become a Belgium international with three caps to his name.
Whilst hardly the biggest centre back of all time at 6ft 1in tall, Theate is very quick and an outstanding passer out from the back.
Bologna will surely be sensing a major profit on Theate whenever he moves on, and whilst West Ham went with Aguerd, the Belgian could still head to England.
Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla reports that Rennes are very interested in a deal worth around €18million (£15million) for Theate.
Yet it’s also added that Leicester City have joined the race for Theate at the last minute and could look to improve on the offer from Rennes.
Leicester would love to add another centre back this summer and it looks like Theate is on their radar.
Belgian stars like Timothy Castagne and Youri Tielemans have impressed at Leicester and Theate may well be tempted by the same move.
Rennes may still be favourites but Leicester appear to be lurking with intent, potentially with a view to unleashing Theate against West Ham in the future.
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