West Ham are ready to battle with several clubs for the signature of Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Media Foot, who claim that the French defender has been tracked by West Ham.

Amongst the list of other potential suitors is Arsenal, and the player is said to be hotly followed throughout the Premier League.

Lacroix extended his contract last September until June 2025, so it will take a substantial bid to pry him from the German club. 

An upgrade on Diop

To coerce this highly-rated defender to the London Stadium would be a huge statement of intent, especially with the ever-growing list of other interested parties. It would go a long way towards convincing Declan Rice of the club’s ambition.

Not only this, but it would form one of the more mobile defences in the Premier League, with Kurt Zouma also possessing great speed as well as a sizeable frame.

This signing could however signal the end for another of his compatriots, as it would no doubt send Issa Diop further down the pecking order.

Last season, the West Ham centre-back only managed 12 league appearances as his playtime was further limited. He could not challenge Craig Dawson and Zouma and was subsequently sidelined.

Lacroix however featured 29 times and earned huge praise for his blistering pace and intelligent defending. His performances saw him garner a 6.99 average SofaScore rating; a fine return for the 22-year-old.

Oliver Glasner, his manager, had labelled the defender “outstanding”. He is well thought of amongst his Wolfsburg teammates.

Not only this, but the £61k-per-week star ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90. His incredible awareness matched with his speed helped him to snuff out any danger before it had even materialised.

He also ranked in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed, marking him out as a progressive carrier who enjoys having the ball at his feet.

David Moyes must certainly act quickly to snatch this fine asset from his rivals and replace Diop, further adding to his remarkable talent pool in central defence.

AND, in other news: WHU "really interested" in signing "exceptional" £43m-rated talent, imagine him & Rice.