West Ham must sign Alfie Mawson instead of taking risk on Marlon Santos

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West Ham United continue to be linked with a number of centre backs.

West Ham United are starting to become active in the transfer market, with Manuel Pellegrini pursuing a host of signings to boost his squad at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have brought in one new face this summer having signed right back Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer from Fulham, but more additions appear to be in the pipeline.

The Daily Mail note that West Ham are attempting to sign Swansea City goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Toulouse defender Issa Diop and Lazio winger Felipe Anderson in a bold triple swoop.

Whilst French talent Diop could strengthen West Ham’s back line, another centre back appears to be on the radar, with two targets emerging in moves worth around £20million.

The Daily Mail’s report claimed that West Ham have offered £20million for Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, whilst The Guardian recently stated that West Ham had set up a £17.5million deal for Barcelona’s Marlon Santos, but had doubts about his suitability for the Premier League.

Diop appears to be close to signing, meaning West Ham may pursue only one of Mawson or Marlon – and they should absolutely be making Swansea ace Mawson their top target ahead of the Brazilian talent.

With physicality a concern over Marlon, Mawson’s extra three inches in height and greater strength should be huge factors, as should the fact that Mawson has already shown real promise in two Premier League campaigns, rather than gambling on Marlon to come in and adapt quickly.

Mawson is two years older, but the Hillingdon-born defender – formerly of Brentford – would surely relish a return to London, whilst his goalscoring record of seven goals in 71 games is also hugely impressive, adding another threat to Pellegrini’s side from set pieces.

West Ham may have to go higher than £20million, but Mawson is clearly the best option ahead of Marlon, and whilst the Brazilian may well go on to have a great career, Mawson is the safer bet for West Ham, and they shouldn’t take a risk on a player they seemingly have doubts about.