West Ham have set their sights on English right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who currently plays for Southampton in the Premier League. The 27-year-old's impressive performances have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and West Ham as well.
Walker-Peters's £20 million price tag is seen as a hindrance by West Ham. However, the player presents an opportunity for the club to secure the fullback's services at a time when they want an upgrade on current right-back Vladimir Coufal.
West Ham chase sought-after English fullback from Premier League
Report from GIVEMESPORT indicate that West Ham is still somewhat short of Southampton's valuation of the player. The English international played a pivotal role in Southampton's successful season helping the team return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The report says,
""They've been chasing Kyle Walker-Peters for a while now. Talks, I'm told, are still open with Southampton, but a fee simply can't be agreed, between what West Ham are prepared to pay and what Southampton want""GIVEMESPORT
West Ham's interest in the Englishman comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad, particularly with the fact that Coufal is the only distinguished right back in the squad. Manager Julen Lopetegui has expressed his desire to bring a pacey full back to London Stadium, and the club has already made initial contact with both Manchester United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Southampton for Kyle Walker-Peters.
West Ham's President of Football Operations, Tim Steidten, is renowned for his strategic signings, focusing on players with the potential to grow and make a significant impact. Walker-Peters fits this profile, offering creativity and agility that could complement Hammers's defence as well as attacking options, especially in partnership with Jarrod Bowen on the same flank.
Walker-Peters joined Southampton on a permanent basis in August 2020 from Tottenham Hotspurs for a bargain fee of £10 million. His quick adaptation at the Saints and impressive performances have caught the attention of several clubs.
While West Ham prepare to make a concrete offer for Kyle Walker-Peters, his current club Southampton is not rushing for a deal. However, with only one year remaining on his contract and Southampton's great transfer relations with West Ham which recently saw Flynn Downes complete a £15 million move to St. Mary's Stadium can be the key for this transfer to go through. Southampton, meanwhile, are keen to retain the fullback and have yet to secure a new deal with him.
Securing the English fullback's services would be a significant coup for the club, given the competition from other Premier League giants. Walker-Peters's addition could provide the defensive shape and the attacking spark needed to elevate West Ham's performance in the upcoming season.