According to reports on German website Bild, West Ham United are said to be lining up a summer move for Hamburg defender and former Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 30-year-old’s contract with the German side runs out this summer, and he looks set to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the campaign having refused to commit his future to the club.

That news is said to have caught the attention of Irons boss Slaven Bilic, who is looking to strengthen his central defensive options ahead of next season.

How has Djourou done during his time in Germany?

He has done well.

The Swiss defender moved to Hamburg from Arsenal in 2014, following a successful season-long loan spell with the Bundesliga outfit.

However, he criticised manager Markus Gisdol’s tactics in November last year and was stripped of the captaincy a couple of weeks later as a result.

That has obviously created friction between the duo, and Djourou has often found himself out of the starting XI since.

Why did he leave Arsenal?

Despite spending the latter stages of his youth career with the Gunners and then spending 10 years with the club as a professional, Djourou never gained a regular spot in the side under Arsene Wenger – making just 140 appearances in all competitions during that period – and the decision to move on following a number of loan spells was the right one.

Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

He probably wouldn’t be, no.

The Irons already have plenty of experience at centre-back with the likes of Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and Angelo Ogbonna, and perhaps they now need a more youthful head in that position in order to look towards the future.

What’s the verdict, then?

Hammers fans probably won’t be too happy to see the rumour, and they may be hoping it is just that – a rumour.

It seems a transfer that is unlikely to materialise, but as he is available on a free Bilic may see that he could be a valuable addition.

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