Manchester City look to be the main hunting ground as West Ham United reshape this squad this summer.
The Hammers have signed City’s experienced and much-loved defender Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer in what is their only arrival of the summer so far.
Slaven Bilic has also been linked with moves for Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Joe Hart as the former Croatia boss targets “three or four game-changer” signings.
Skipper Mark Noble has talked about his delight at seeing Zabaleta added to the East Londoners ranks.
Pablo Zabaleta
“I spoke to Joe Hart while I was away with England and Joe could not have spoken any higher of him, saying he is a great teammate, a great lad and top professional,” Cresswell told whufc.com.
“His quality is there for all to see, so he is a great addition to the squad.
“Pablo will not only make his presence felt on the pitch, but his experience will rub off on the young lads around the training ground.”
Zabaleta’s arrival as a first team starter makes life more difficult for emerging right back Sam Byram who has struggled to nail down a regular place in the Hammers side since signing from Leeds United.
West Ham United’s Sam Byram
Byram showed signs he was settling into the role towards the end of last season and if he is willing to accept being back-up, he can surely only learn from Zabaleta’s vast experience and quality.
That is clearly the club’s long-term plan with Zabaleta turning 33 midway through the season as Bilic will be looking for Byram to mature further and eventually take over as the number one right back in the next two seasons.
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