West Ham United are now considering improving David Moyes’ defensive options in the summer transfer window with a move to sign right-back Max Aarons from Norwich City.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report Aarons is back on the Hammers’ shortlist ahead of the summer sales. The Irons are considering avenues to explore in the role after Moyes admitted Vladimir Coufal had struggled for form before undergoing groin surgery.
Coufal was a sensation in claret-and-blue during his maiden campaign in east London last season. But the £5.5m former Slavia Prague star struggled to rediscover those levels while nursing an injury, and appeared heavily off the pace and unable to deliver a strong impact.
Ben Johnson has returned to the starting line-up in Coufal’s absence and also signed a new contract extension last month. But the Hammers are yet to rule out further spending in the position during the off-season, ahead of a potential second campaign in Europe next term.
West Ham consider Max Aarons transfer as right-back considers Norwich future
West Ham are considering Aarons as a possible target for the next transfer window with his future at Norwich uncertain. The Sun reported in December the right-back is likely to leave Carrow Road this summer after attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs before.
Norwich know Aarons will draw a wide pool of suitors if the Canaries warm to his departure at some stage. Calciomercato.it also noted in December that the Norfolk outfit would want €22m (£18.5m) to sell their academy product. Even though he is under contract until 2024.
Relegation from the Premier League will likely limit the Canaries’ hope of retaining the 22-year-old, as well. Promotion as Championship winners last season allowed Norwich to set a £30m valuation, per the Press Association, which kept West Ham from chasing his transfer.
Norwich had informed Aarons – who then-boss Daniel Farke considers ‘outstanding’ – he was free to leave during the summer 2021 window. And a second relegation in just three seasons could see his six-year association with the Canaries come to an end.
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