OPINION
With Pablo Zabaleta coming to the end of his career at West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini knows that he will need to recruit some fresh talent to take the place of the evergreen Argentine.
His time with the Hammers might not be over just yet but there is no doubting that the former Manchester City man needs replacing sooner rather than later, if for nothing more than to ensure the person taking his place is acclimatised to the demands at the London Stadium.
Ryan Fredericks has not done enough to command a regular starting XI spot and as a result the Irons have got to be on the prowl this summer – but they might not need go far to find an answer.
Heading from east to north London could see the Hammers snap up the bargain deal of the summer if reports are to be believed, with the Sun claiming that Tottenham are ready to let Serge Aurier depart for half of the £23million – £11.5million – he signed for back in 2017.
A 51 cap Ivory Coast international, the right sided flyer has not been exceptional at Tottenham but on his day he has been one of the most dangerous wing backs in the Premier League, offering pace, power and a wicked cross from out wide.
His consistency seems to have let him down under Mauricio Pochettino, remaining behind Kieran Trippier in the pecking order for large parts of the season, but his abilities should not be wasted sitting on the bench.
Imagine Aurier bombing down the wing at the London Stadium – the Hammers fans would love it – and at £11.5million, for an experienced international with many more years under his belt, it would be an absolute steal.
