West Ham United, having recently dented Arsenal’s title hopes, are now reportedly aiming to hijack the Gunners’ move for a defensive target valued at just £21 million this summer.
West Ham’s Summer Transfer Plans
West Ham will be a team to watch when the summer transfer window opens. Despite being one of the busiest clubs last year, their efforts have yet to bear significant fruit.
The club has already made a managerial switch, replacing Julen Lopetegui with Graham Potter.
Whether the board adopts a similarly aggressive approach this time remains to be seen, but certain weaknesses in the squad are undeniable.
One of the most glaring issues is in Potter’s attacking lineup.
Niclas Füllkrug has struggled to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form in the Premier League, while Michail Antonio is still recovering from injuries sustained in a serious car crash late last year.
As a result, securing a top-tier striker is a priority for the Hammers this summer.
Additionally, West Ham could benefit from strengthening their left-back position, where Emerson Palmieri has struggled to maintain his spot.
He was left on the bench during their victory over Arsenal, signaling that an upgrade may be on the horizon.
West Ham Targeting Arsenal’s Defensive Reinforcement
According to Tuttosport, relayed by Sports Witness, West Ham are now looking to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of Maxim De Cuyper, whom Club Brugge reportedly value at €25 million (£21 million).
While AC Milan have also shown interest in the left-back, Arsenal currently appear to be leading the race for his signature, having initiated contact ahead of both West Ham and the Italian club.
However, there is still ample time for things to change. Having already beaten Arsenal on the pitch, West Ham could look to land an additional blow by stealing De Cuyper from under their noses.
De Cuyper: A Strong Replacement for Emerson
If West Ham successfully secure De Cuyper, it could mean a similar fate for Emerson as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival did for Vladimir Coufal.
The Club Brugge defender, who is in his prime years, would provide Potter with a younger, dynamic option at left-back, strengthening the squad’s long-term prospects.
Described by analyst Ben Mattinson as an “excellent progressive passer,” De Cuyper is precisely the kind of player who would thrive under Potter’s tactical system.
Potter often employs a calculated build-up style that rewards players with strong technical and passing abilities, making the Belgian a perfect fit.
At 30 years old, Emerson is approaching the latter stages of his career, and his recent omission from the starting lineup could indicate his declining status within the squad.
Signing De Cuyper would not only enhance West Ham’s defensive setup but also allow them to gain an upper hand over their London rivals, Arsenal.
Given the potential impact of the move, West Ham would be wise to intensify their pursuit of De Cuyper and ensure they don’t miss out on a valuable addition to their squad.
