West Ham are looking to beat Serie A side, Roma, to the signing of French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, with the 23-year-old available on a free transfer.
What’s the word?
That’s according to the Sun, who claim that David Moyes is battling Serie A side, Roma, for the 6 foot 5 centre-back, with Inter Milan also keen on adding the player to their ranks.
Following five seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Zagadou was released from his contract at the end of last season, with his injury problems being a prevalent factor in his free agent status.
An outstanding signing?
West Ham began their season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, with superstar Erling Haaland grabbing two goals on his City debut.
Although not the result David Moyes would have wanted, one of the hardest fixtures is out of the way for the Hammers.
A new defender looks like a priority for Moyes, especially with centre-backs Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, and new signing Nayef Aguerd all on the treatment table, the Scot will be hoping to add at least one player before the transfer window shuts on the 1st of September.
Frenchman Zagadou could certainly add depth to the West Ham squad, although if he does sign, Moyes will surely expect him to be available straight away.
Zagadou won 2.5 aerials per match at Dortmund last season, which is only behind the 2.8 Dawson won in the West Ham squad, showing that he could be a commanding presence at the heart of the defence.
The Frenchman isn’t just excellent in the air, his ability to successfully pass the ball from the defence in order to start attacks is just what Moyes is after. He completed 88.7% of his passes last season, more than Dawson, Diop and Kurt Zouma (82.3%, 86.1% and 83.3% respectively).
These stats could be key in the Scot’s reported pursuit of the 23-year-old, with presence in the air and excellent passing ability, Zagadou could become the Premier League side's sixth summer signing.
With former Dortmund manager dubbing the Frenchman as “outstanding” during his embryonic stages at the Bundesliga side, it's clear Moyes and GSB could have a serious talent on their hands if they manage to keep him injury free.