According to a source, West Ham United are now keeping a close eye on a “world-class footballing talent” ahead of a potential January transfer swoop.
What is the most recent West Ham transfer news?
West Ham are looking for a new defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider, and are keeping an eye on Celta Vigo’s Fran Beltran, who is known for pushing and defending midfield spaces.
There were indications the Hammers could also move for an attacking midfielder, with former player Jesse Lingard training at the club since August, however they have now ended their interest, and the Englishman is eyeing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
In terms of potential defensive targets, it has now been reported that David Moyes could swoop for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, but there may be stiff competition for his signature, with Arsenal also believed to be keen on the 19-year-old. Diomande is not the only player who West Ham and Arsenal share an interest in, with The Mirror reporting the two clubs could be set to go head-to-head for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.
The winger joined the Parc des Princes in the summer transfer window from Barcelona in a £50 million deal, but he has struggled to find his feet in the French capital, and there have been calls for him to be pulled from the starting XI.
Dembele has been in all five of PSG’s recent matches, but he has yet to score, sparking speculation about his long-term future at the club, but he may be given a little more time to establish himself.
The report states it is unlikely PSG would be willing to sanction a move so early into his career in France, but if he does become available, then the Hammers could make a move, with Moyes on the lookout for more attacking firepower in the January transfer window.
How good is Ousmane Dembele?
There are indications the France international could be a real upgrade for West Ham in attack, given that he has been lauded as a “world-class footballing talent”, and a “magical creative winger who has few equals” by journalist Muhammad Butt.
The Vernon-born forward has experience playing for some of Europe’s top clubs, namely Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and now PSG, and he put in some very solid performances for Barca last term, weighing in with five goals and seven assists in La Liga.
In addition, when compared to his positional contemporaries, the former Dortmund man is in the 99th percentile for advanced carries and the 96th percentile for successful take-ons per 90.
Given the potential at his disposal, Dembele might help West Ham reach the next level, and the Irons should keep an eye on his availability ahead of the January transfer window.