West Ham eyeing up a move for Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko
By Alex Smith
West Ham are lining up a summer transfer for Man City and Ukraine left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
According to club insider Claret and Hugh, the Hammers have made “discreet inquiries” before and have labelled the 25-year-old as a “perfect target”.
Man City could be willing to let him leave as he has lost his place in their strongest starting XI this season as a result of Joao Cancelo playing more on the left than the right.
West Ham are interested in Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.
There are rumours that the Premier League title chasers could demand a fee of £40 million but West Ham would try to negotiate the price down.
He previously nearly left Man City for Wolves but instead stayed to fight for his place but with Citizens boss Pep Guardiola considering signing another full-back, Zinchenko could be surplus to requirements.
Zinchenko would be a smart addition to David Moyes’ side for a number of reasons. Firstly, he has experience at an elite level and leadership qualities having captained Ukraine a few times. Also, he is versatile with the ability to play left-back and in central midfield.
That versatility could become specifically useful with left-back Arthur Masuaku set to leave and Aaron Cresswell performing but now older than 30. In central midfield, he could offer a natural ball playing but tough tackling option to replace the retiring legend Mark Noble.
West Ham attack down the left a lot with Cresswell and Zinchenko is a fantastic passer of the ball and he’d give the Irons a creative influence from deep. However, compared to Cresswell, the three time Premier League winner isn’t a renowned crosser or set piece taker which is an issue.
Zinchenko’s Ukrainian teammate and West Ham’s Europa League hero, Andriy Yarmolenko, could play a part in convincing him to make the move to East London even if Yarmolenko departs himself.