West Ham could be about to make a bid for Danish right back Joakim Maehle as David Moyes continues to strengthen his squad.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera Bergamo (print edition July 6th) which claims that the Premier League side could make a €15m (£13m) bid for the Atalanta player, and it’s a fee that the club would accept if it was in that region.
Although a right-back is down in the list of priorities for Moyes at the moment, it is encouraging to see the club trying to sign players who will add some quality to the first team.
Moyes given the green light
Moyes has already added Nayef Aguerd and Flynn Downes to his squad, whilst making goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s deal a permanent one following his loan spell from PSG last season.
With the club coming down from the highs of last season, reaching the Europa Semi finals, and finishing seventh in the Premier League, Moyes will be aiming to continue the momentum into next season.
This will require a few extra faces and a deal for Maehle would be a shrewd signing, especially at the quoted fee.
The right-back excelled at Euro 2020 for Denmark as they fell at the penultimate hurdle to England, scoring twice and providing an “outrageous” assist in the match against the Czech Republic.
Further praise was lavished upon him, with the Bleacher Report describing one of his crosses as “perfection”, with his performances at the European Championships for Denmark plus a productive season in Serie A have put clubs like West Ham on standby.
His attacking abilities are his greatest strengths. Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues over the previous year, Maehle ranks in the 11th percentile for total shots (1.12 per 90), touches in the opposition box (2.76 per 90), and the 20th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.09 per 90).
Moyes would love an attacking full-back at the London Stadium next season, and Maehle has all the attributes to be a success in England.