West Ham have been regularly linked with defensive reinforcements heading into the close season but they face a growing battle to get deals over the line, especially with interest in prime targets rising.
The Sun claims Europa League semi-finalists Arsenal have joined the hunt for Fulham ace Ryan Fredericks, who looks poised to be available on a free transfer this summer when his contract in west London expires.
David Moyes has long been attributed with an interest in the 25-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Fulham’s promotion-chasing side this term, but the emergence of Arsenal on the market could leave the Scottish boss empty-handed.
Arsene Wenger’s side are said to be considering Fredericks to provide competition for Hector Bellerin’s spot on the right side of defence, with significant depth needed due to their exploits across a wealth of competitions.
Arsenal still have hopes of securing Champions League football next season but require Europa League glory to secure their spot, a monumental task given their double-header against Atletico Madrid over the next two weeks.
