WESTHAM CLOSE IN ON FIRST JANUARY SIGNING AS TALKS WITH INTER MILAN ADVANCE AND £32M, 26-YEAR-OLD STAR SET FOR FRIDAY MEDICAL

West Ham United are edging closer to their first major move of the January transfer window after holding positive talks with Inter Milan over a high-profile 26-year-old star. Sources close to the negotiations indicate discussions have accelerated in recent days, with the Premier League side now preparing for a potential medical scheduled for Friday.

West Ham are understood to have been informed of Inter’s asking price, believed to be around £32 million, as the club looks to make a clear statement of intent in the second half of the season. Officials at the London Stadium have been working behind the scenes to push the deal forward quickly, keen to complete business early in the window and fend off interest from rival clubs.

The Inter midfielder is viewed internally as a player capable of delivering immediate impact. At 26, he is considered to be entering his prime, bringing valuable Champions League and international experience. West Ham’s recruitment team believe his energy, versatility and composure would fit seamlessly into Julen Lopetegui’s system as the club battles to secure its Premier League status.

West Ham head into Saturday’s daunting clash with league leaders Arsenal under pressure, desperate to halt a worrying run of form that has dragged them into relegation trouble. Lopetegui’s side have endured a torrid spell, compounded by a humiliating FA Cup exit on penalties to Championship side Wrexham.

Although West Ham snapped a four-game losing streak in the league with a dramatic 2-1 victory away at West Ham, they have still lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the manager.

According to reports from Sky Sports Italy, via FC Inter News, West Ham are actively pursuing Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi. Talks have reportedly taken place with the player’s representatives, with the Hammers expressing genuine interest in bringing the Italy international to the Premier League.

The Italian broadcaster claims discussions with Frattesi’s camp have confirmed West Ham’s eagerness to strengthen their midfield options as they fight against the drop. While the move remains possible this month, Inter’s stance is firm.

The Serie A champions continue to value Frattesi at around £32 million, a fee that could prove challenging for West Ham given their current league position and financial considerations. The midfielder has found regular minutes hard to come by at the San Siro this season, with opportunities limited under head coach Cristian Chivu.

As talks continue, optimism remains that progress can be made. A successful deal would represent a significant boost for Lopetegui and underline West Ham United’s ambition as the January window reaches a critical stage.