Flynn Downes’ £18 million move to Southampton is arguably the biggest blow for the Hammers in the summer transfer window so far, with several other players linked with exits. Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen are all stars rumored to be moving away from the London Stadium this summer, though the accuracy of these reports remains uncertain.
One area of concern for Lopetegui is the full-back positions, with the Hammers monitoring multiple right-back targets.
The left-back spot, however, seems well-occupied by Emerson and Aaron Cresswell, although Emerson has been linked with a move back to Italy after just two seasons at the club.
According to Leggo via ASRomaLive, the 29-year-old is ready to leave the Premier League, with a return to AS Roma suggested as a possible outcome this summer.
If Emerson leaves, West Ham would be left with just the 34-year-old Cresswell at left-back, and the latest update indicates that one of their potential replacements is now off the market. Fulham have agreed to bring Ryan Sessegnon back to Craven Cottage after his Tottenham contract expired, according to Fabrizio Romano, following his training stint with Crystal Palace.
The Hammers were among the teams interested in Sessegnon this summer, but with Fulham securing his return, Lopetegui now faces the challenge of convincing Emerson to stay in London.
Emerson was a favorite under David Moyes, making 81 appearances over the last two years. However, he has been out of the Italy national team setup since 2023, having won 29 caps in total.
This could be a defining factor in whether Emerson seeks a move elsewhere this summer.
