West Ham in talks with ex-Chelsea star to replace Declan Rice as Arsenal and Man City battle it out for midfielder
WEST HAM are considering a swoop for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to reports.
The Hammers are set to lose club captain Declan Rice this summer.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City are battling for the midfielder’s signature, but West Ham’s eye-watering asking price is proving to be a stumbling block.
The Gunners submitted a huge bid worth £105million on Tuesday, which, if accepted, would see Rice become the most expensive British player in the Premier League.
However, the proposal is yet to be approved by Hammers chief David Sullivan.
Talks are still ongoing, but West Ham have already earmarked a potential replacement.
According to Sky Sports Italy, the Hammers have been in contact with Zakaria.
Juventus are said to be reluctant to send the 26-year-old out on loan again, so they could let him leave on a permanent basis.
Zakaria joined the Italian side in a £7.4m transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2022.
He made just 15 appearances before joining Chelsea on a season-long loan.
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However, he struggled for game time and was limited to just 11 appearances across all competitions at Stamford Bridge.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that West Ham have also expressed an interest in signing Amadou Onana from Everton.
The midfielder comes with a £50m price tag.
Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi has also been linked with a move to the London Stadium.