West Ham line up Denis Zakaria as a potential replacement for Declan Rice this summer… with Juventus star potentially returning to the Premier League after a loan spell at Chelsea
- Denis Zakaria spent last season on loan at Chelsea from Serie A side Juventus
- West Ham look likely to lose star midfielder Declan Rice to a Premier League rival
- Zakaria is under consideration as a potential replacement for the England star
West Ham have added Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria to their list of option as they target midfielders to replace Declan Rice.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Chelsea, making just 11 appearances for the Blues.
Zakaria is contracted at the Serie A giants until 2026, but the Swiss international has struggled for game time at Juventus and is expected to be allowed to leave on a permanent deal.
Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez and Fulham‘s Joao Palhinha have also been considered but are difficult to achieve.
Palhinha in particular could be difficult to achieve given Fulham are demanding £90m for the midfielder – even if Rice is expected to leave on a larger deal.
West Ham are considering a move for Denis Zakaria – who spent last season on loan at Chelsea
Zakaria has been added to a list of targets to potentially replace Declan Rice (left)
Zakaria signed for Juventus in January 2022 but struggled for game time at the Serie A side
Arsenal lead the race to sign Rice this summer, though the Hammers are expecting Man City to come in with a bid for the England international.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta though sees Rice as a future captain at the Emirates and the club is confident they can pip Man City to the £100m man.
Zakaria was linked with top clubs across Europe before Juventus signed the midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach in January 2022.
He went on to make 13 appearances for the Serie A side that season before he was loaned out to Chelsea.
The Blues had an option to sign Zakaria on a permanent at the end of the campaign – one which they have not taken up.
Though West Ham look set to lose their biggest star, they have the Europa League to look forward to next season following their Europa Conference League success.
David Moyes will be determined to strengthen his side to boost their European hopes next season and help them climb up from their 14th place finish in the Premier League.
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha is also on West Ham’s list though his £90m asking price makes a move difficult
