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Napoli have joined West Ham in the hunt for Atletico Madrid outcast Santiago Arias, according to Corriere Dello Sport via TalkSport.

What's the word?

West Ham are yet to find their rhythm this season despite splashing over £100m in the summer transfer window as Manuel Pellegrini's side have lost five of their opening eight Premier League fixtures in the first few months of the campaign.

A leaky defence is likely to be improved with further additions in January but West Ham may have to change their plans as Corriere Dello Sport via TalkSport states Napoli are eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid's Santiago Arias.

The 26-year-old only joined the Spanish giants in the summer but is said to be considering his option after a lack of opportunities with Diego Simeone's side, which has led to Napoli reviving an interest in a defender they wanted during the summer.

A necessary addition?

Any headline that suggests West Ham are set to miss out on a transfer target will automatically provide a blow to supporters but the reality is Santiago Arias is an addition that the Hammers do not need, as their problems lie in other areas.

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West Ham already have Ryan Fredericks and Pablo Zabaleta competing for a spot down the right side of defence and do not need Arias to throw his name into the ring for a spot in that position, with the Hammers instead needing a decent option at left-back.

Securing Arias' services would also prove to be difficult as Atletico only purchased the player from PSV Eindhoven in the summer and are showing no signs of a willingness to negotiate a departure, so West Ham currently have very little chance of securing a deal.