West Ham in Surprise Negotiations for Premier League Legend, While Tottenham Targets Top English Striker Amid Price Drop

Julen Lopetegui, the new West Ham United manager, is reportedly aiming for one of the summer transfer window’s most surprising signings, as per The Guardian.

West Ham conceded 74 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season, marking the worst defensive record of any team not relegated. Former manager David Moyes attributed these defensive woes largely to the departure of midfielder Declan Rice, who had been a dominant force in shielding the backline before moving to Arsenal.

Eager to address this issue, Lopetegui has made a bold £20 million bid to secure the services of former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.

Kante is celebrated as one of the Premier League’s greatest defensive midfielders. He arrived in England from Caen in 2015 as a relatively unknown player but quickly became pivotal to Leicester City’s shocking title win, thanks to his relentless energy and knack for breaking up opposition plays. In his debut season, Kante led the league with 175 tackles and 157 interceptions, which soon earned him a move to Chelsea.

From 2016 to 2023, Kante solidified his status as one of Chelsea’s top talents, winning a Premier League title, an FA Cup, a Champions League, a Europa League, and the Club World Cup. Additionally, he played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their run to the final in Qatar four years later.

Kante’s last seasons at Chelsea were hindered by injuries, and upon the expiration of his contract, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Despite concerns about his form ahead of Euro 2024, he remained a standout player for France as they reached the semi-finals.

The 33-year-old is available for an estimated £20 million this summer. The Guardian reports that Kante would welcome a return to London, having lived in the city for over seven years. His arrival at West Ham would mark the club’s fourth signing following the acquisitions of Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, and Wes Foderingham.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, having narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season, continue their search for a long-term successor to club legend Harry Kane.

SunSport indicates that Tottenham are now the frontrunners to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, after Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United signaled no intent to bid for the England forward. Arsenal isn’t prioritizing a striker this summer, Chelsea is targeting forwards under 25, and Manchester United, who have signed Joshua Zirkzee, are focusing on younger talent.

Tottenham has long admired Toney for his goal-scoring prowess, ability to hold up play, and on-field intelligence. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and has struggled with form, netting only four goals in 17 appearances after a betting-related ban. Nonetheless, at his best, Toney is a formidable finisher, as evidenced by his 20 goals in 33 appearances for Brentford during the 2022/23 season.

Brentford initially hoped to spark a bidding war to fundraise by valuing Toney at around £80 million. However, SunSport suggests that this price has been significantly lowered, with a deal potentially achievable for £50 million this summer.