As the dust settles from another crushing defeat, this week at the hands of out-of-form Manchester City, West Ham retreat to London Stadium to luck their wounds, no doubt ‘work very hard’ and try to prepare for Friday nights’ cup match against Aston Villa with any element of optimism.
Stories abound of the Hammers pursuit of midfielders to bolster the centre of the pitch: Target James McAtee was a substitute for Manchester City yesterday, and has now been linked with a move to the Bundesliga – both Dortmund and Buyer Leverkusen are said to be chasing the youngster.
So, again West Ham are searching elsewhere for creativity to bolster the centre of the pitch and today have been linked once more with Summer target Carney Chukwumenka from Chelsea. The 21 year old is out of West Ham’s reach financially on a permanent deal, having a £40 million release clause, but The Blues have now signalled that they will let him leave on loan, paving the way for a possible move across London. Football-talk.co.uk today confirm:“It will be interesting to see how Chukwuemeka does at London Stadium given that the possibility of a loan has significantly upped West Ham’s chances of signing him.”
Unable to force a starting place at Stamford Bridge, Chukwumenka would be a brilliant attacking midfield option to add to West Ham’s squad, bearing in mind the creativity problem the team has had with the falling off of Lucas Paqueta’s form. A genuine number ten, the youngster would add pace and goal threat sorely needed. One to watch out for. Providing he is guaranteed at least some game time, (not always a given for Lopetegui’s youngsters this season!) Chelsea will be keen for their player to get time on the pitch and exposure before a planned summer sale.
