West Ham are seeking for a new goalkeeper this summer, but they fear being outbid by newly promoted Sunderland on a major transfer target, which would be embarrassing for the team looking to do business next season.
The Hammers apparently need to approve sales before making any major signings, which could explain the slow start to the window, but the weeks are flying by. The Premier League season begins next month, and Graham Potter has not received an improved group to work with.
West Ham finished 14th in the rankings last season and will be anxious to get back into the top ten. So far this summer, Evan Ferguson and Carlos Soler have returned to Brighton and PSG following loan spells, while Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings, and Vladimir Coufal have left the club as free agents. Mohammed Kudus is also expected to move on.
Sunderland look to beat West Ham to Chelsea transfer
Veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski also left after his contract expired, leaving West Ham in need of a new goalie. Under Potter, Alphonse Areola was ranked first, but there is speculation that a better candidate may exist.
That may be Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is set to leave the club after falling behind Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen in the pecking order. Hammers News stated just last week that the team had a’serious interest’ in Petrovic. The Serbian, who was dubbed a ‘fantastic goalkeeper’ by Liam Rosenior while on loan at Strasbourg, appears to be a clear upgrade on Areola, although West Ham risk losing out to Sunderland in the acquisition. The Black Cats, who advanced to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs, have bid £22 million for the goalkeeper, according to The Express.
West Ham must show transfer intent
According to the site, Chelsea is ‘on the edge’ of agreeing to the deal with Sunderland, which would be a blow to West Ham. While the London club may be on a limited budget, selling big names like Kudus and being outbid by teams predicted to be relegated next year is not a good picture.
Worryingly, this is not a new sensation. Former Lille striker Jonathan David’s agents were at the London Stadium late last season when he was linked with the club, but he appears to be on his way to Juventus. Angel Gomes, David’s teammate, is also a free agent, although he is said to have passed down the chance to join West Ham despite Potter’s personal approach. West Ham must make a show of purpose fast, and Sunderland’s signing of Petrovic is definitely not the suitable one. In other news, ‘Here We Go’: Arsenal, West Ham, and Tottenham lose their striker transfer races.
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