West Ham United took a major blow on Friday in their summer transfer plans after what has been a really promising start to the window.
Julen Lopetegui has come through the door in east London and has quickly looked to make this West Ham squad his own.
The likes of Max Kilman have been brought through the door to strengthen the backline and provide Lopetegui a player he can rely on.
However, there were plans to continue adding to that backline with Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui.
But a move for Mazraoui has collapsed with West Ham as Manchester United now look to make a late swoop.
Despite this, it seems West Ham have not been hit heavily over. thenews as they continue to eye what would be an impressive signing from one of Europe’s top clubs.
West Ham eyeing audacious move for Barcelona midfielder
The Hammers are currently across the pond in the United States to get some pre-season friendlies under their belt.
A lot of change has happened over recent weeks at the London Stadium with new players arriving on top of a new manager, but now it is time to put in the hard work.
Only a few weeks now separate West Ham and their season opener against Aston Villa in east London.
Ironically, it is Villa who the Hammers now find themselves battling against for the signature of one of their summer targets.
The Hammers are not the only side to be in the picture for the 32-year-old, though, with the likes of Aston Villa also credited with an interest.
These are two of the clubs whose proposals are appealing most to him along with Ajax.
Arsenal have also been linked with a possible move for Roberto this summer.
Roberto has played the majority of his games in midfield but has shown over the years he is more than capable of playing across a number of roles including right-back.
What Lionel Messi has previously said about Sergi Roberto
Roberto has now stacked up an impressive 373 appearances for Barca over the years where he has returned 19 goals and 43 assists.
He has also been able to share the pitch with some of the all-time greats of the game from his time at the Nou Camp.
One of the players who he has been fortunate enough to share the pitch with is Lionel Messi who has previously had some big words to say about the 32-year-old.
“You have become one of the best right-backs in the world,” Messi said about Roberto back in 2018 after their win over PSG.
“The moment you made us live was amazing, because of how it came to be, it was impressive.”
He may be 32 years of age, but this would still mark a noteworthy addition to the West Ham side given the experience he has racked up.
However, attempts for West Ham to sign the likes of Fabricio Bruno, Jean-Clair Todibo and Noussair Mazraoui proved unsuccessful.
As per Florian Plettenberg, an agreement was reached between West Ham and Bayern Munich, but talks then collapsed when it came to the player’s side.
Now, it looks like Manchester United are trying to steal a march in the race to land the Moroccan, but this has opened up an opportunity for the Hammers.
Wan-Bissaka keeps ‘the art of defending’ alive
Speaking on talkSPORT in May about modern-day full-backs and defending in general, Jamie O’Hara had praise for Wan-Bissaka.
“The art of defending has gone out of the game. It’s all about playing out from the back,” he said.
“The only one who I think has still got old-school defending qualities is Wan-Bissaka. One v one, old school proper defender. Stands you up, knows how to defend.”
Although missing out on Mazraoui is disappointing, Wan-Bissaka would also be a superb acquisition for West Ham.
Obviously it’s up to the player himself, so the next days – will be crucial as he decides where his future lies.
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