West Ham United is now in pole position to capture an excellent midfielder this summer.
According to The Telegraph, West Ham United are showing “strong” interest in Fortuna Düsseldorf midfielder Ao Tanaka.
The Japan World Cup star is rumored to be on his way to the Premier League, with Fulham also showing interest (The Telegraph, 20 June).
Tanaka’s availability is known to Leicester, and West Brom had a bid rejected in the January transfer window.
After a VAR review, the 24-year-old scored a contentious goal that eliminated Spain from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Options
Next season, the Hammers will require a plethora of options in midfield.
With Declan Rice almost certain to go during the summer transfer window, David Moyes and the board must concentrate on the center of the pitch.
Replacing the 24-year-old will be impossible in reality. There are relatively few players in the world who can operate at his level. As a result, Moyes should look to bring in two or three midfielders to cushion the shock of Rice’s departure.
Tanaka has certainly established himself as one. Fulham’s Joo Palhinha is another player on the Scot’s radar, though his £90 million price tag will turn off a number of potential suitors.
West Ham cannot begin the new season with Tomas Soucek and Flynn Downes in midfield; it is a formula for catastrophe. Depth is essential, and the board’s current strategy is to seek at least two replacements for Rice.
The sooner his deal to Arsenal is completed, the better for everyone involved.
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