Trio to be ditched as West Ham plan significant summer clearout
West Ham are planning to get rid of three senior players this summer, according to a report.
The Hammers have exceeded all expectations this season and are currently in the top four. Whether they can stay there by the end of the season remains to be seen, but either way, they have had a brilliant campaign. Hence, it will be an important summer as they look to consolidate again next season.
They are already turning their attention to potential signings. Finding a new striker will be a priority after they failed to replace Sebastien Haller in January. It hasn’t affected them too much but it would help to have someone else up front next season.
However, they must also think about trimming their squad of players that they no longer need.
According to the Evening Standard, there are three players they are prepared to show the door to. One of those will be out of contract anyway, while two others will be sold to raise funds if they can find buyers.
Fabian Balbuena is the man out of contract. The defender will not be offered a new deal after only starting 12 league games this term.
The other two players who will be told to find a new club are Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson. The former has been at the club since 2015 and the latter since 2018 but have both faded in importance.
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Lanzini has struggled with injuries and his pathway back into the team has been blocked by competition for places. Meanwhile, Anderson was sent out on loan to Porto in October after losing his place. Neither seem to have a future back at the London Stadium.
The report does not specify who may be interested in the players. But if West Ham can find solutions for them, it would free them up to bolster their own ranks.
Hammers hoping for Nketiah
The Evening Standard have also outlined West Ham’s plans to target Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
The England under-21s striker has struggled to break through at senior level but could be the ideal fit across London.
And with Folarin Balogun on the verge of signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, Nketiah is expected to leave in the summer. That could present West Ham with an opportunity to get their man.
They may be able to offer him more regular football and with his contract at Arsenal expiring in 2022, a summer sale is likely.
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