West Ham fans were discussing a move for Chelsea’s Tiemoue Bakayoko last week, but if the Hammers want a powerful midfielder alongside Jack Wilshere then look no further than Steven N’Zonzi.

What's the story?

According to GFFN, World Cup winner N’Zonzi has a £35m release clause in his Sevilla contract.

The tough tackling midfielder has been heavily linked with Arsenal, with Sky Sports even reporting recently that the Gunners were “in talks” with Sevilla to sign him.

Unai Emery may see the towering defensive midfielder as a replacement for Granit Xhaka in his new look Arsenal team; the Swiss midfielder tends to split opinion amongst fans.

However, the Gunners have already signed Lucas Torreira, and the presence of both Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey means N’Zonzi would risk regular playing time by moving to North London.

The Hammers have done some excellent summer business already, but swooping in and stealing N’Zonzi would be worth every penny of that release clause, and could just be the final piece of Manuel Pellegrini’s puzzle.

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What's all the fuss about?

If Pellegrini’s plan is to play 4-2-3-1 this season, then he absolute must get a powerful and smart defensive midfielder to sit alongside Wilshere. Cheikhou Kouyate is probably the best equipped for this role out of the current squad, but N’Zonzi would be an upgrade on the Senegalese international in every department.

The Frenchman is incredibly calm on the ball, using his control along with sheer strength and power to weave his way out of difficult areas in midfield before picking a pass. Passing is one of his biggest strengths, boasting an 88 per cent pass success rate in La Liga this season.

Above all else though, the 6 ft 5 N’Zonzi just knows how to control a game with his intelligence and reading of the game. He averaged over one tackle and over one interception per game last season, and these numbers would be an awful lot higher if he didn’t play for a team that likes to dominate the ball.

N’Zonzi is strong, smart and composed, and he would bring an extra element of steel and toughness to the midfield as well as having the technical skill to link up with Wilshere and the more attack-minded players. £35m for a player in the form of his life who would make the entire team more composed and solid is an absolute no brainer.

So, West Ham fans what do you think? Would N’Zonzi be a snip at £35m? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…