OPINION
With less than two weeks to go in the transfer window, West Ham will be thankful that he completed the majority of their business in the early parts of summer.
Many teams in the Premier League will be scrambling to try and finish their summer business, with teams becoming more stubborn in their negotiations as time runs out for them to then look for replacements elsewhere.
West Ham have already welcomed their two marquee signings in the shape of Pablo Fornals and club-record signature of Sebastien Haller – with Claret and Hugh reporting that the Hammers have £5million left in the bank to sign one more player.
A friendly victory over Hertha Berlin did highlight the Hammers’ firepower in front of goal but also brought to light a new problem in the form of their defence.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men conceded three goals as they laboured to a victory, so it comes as no surprise to see the club linked with numerous defenders.
TNT Sports LA reported the Hammers to be targeting Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, with the two-time Premier League winner wanted by Pellegrini to strengthen his defence.
Otamendi would have delivered excellent experience in the heart of defence, having played at the top for many years at City, but only made 14 starts in the league last season.
Despite this, West Ham look set for a transfer blow, with the Sun revealing that the Argentinian international is set to stay at City next season to fill the void left by Vincent Kompany.
The 31-year-old averaged 1.5 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and an impressive 5.5 clearances every game, and would have clearly have been a big introduction at the London Stadium [Source: WhoScored].
The Hammers must now look elsewhere having been delivered a big transfer blow by their Premier League opening opponents – with Otamendi possibly lining up against them in less than two weeks.
