West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

Fulham crank up Prem scouting mission as they enter the fray for West Ham ace

Arthur Masuaku, Matt Doherty, West Ham v Tottenham, March 2022.

Fulham manager Marco Silva is reportedly keen on signing a former player of his for the Premier League, West Ham ace Arthur Masuaku.

Fulham are one win away from returning to the top flight. Their last two seasons in the Prem have been less than successful, though.

In the 2018/19 and 2020/21 seasons, they went straight back down, following promotion from the Championship. Naturally, they will want to avoid that same fate in the coming season.

As such, they will want to put together a squad capable of remaining in England’s best division.

The Cottagers have already been linked with moves for a few Premier League-quality players. Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun and West Ham loanee Alphonse Areola – who was at Fulham in their last top-flight season – are reportedly targets.

Signing players who have proven they have what it takes in the Premier League is a good strategy. That too, can be said of their reported pursuit of Masuaku, per Daily Mail.

The full-back is in his sixth season at West Ham. Indeed, he has shown that he is a capable player in the English top flight during his time with the Hammers.

Masuaku has racked up 127 appearances for the east London outfit, and has contributed to 12 goals from the back in that period.

Arthur Masuaku, West Ham, December 2021.

However, Masuaku’s role has dwindled over the past couple of seasons. The defender featured in just 12 league games last season, and has played the same number this season, starting only five games.

West Ham seemingly see now as the right time to cash in on the 28-year-old. It was reported last month that they were looking to offload him, and would accept a fee in the region of just £5million.

Masuaku seems a good signing for Fulham

The signing of Masuaku does seem like a good one for Fulham. At just 28 years of age, Masuaku should have a good few years left playing at the highest level.

Furthermore, he has performed when called upon for West Ham, despite limited appearances. With that being said, Fulham would be getting a competent player, and for a small fee.

Given Masuaku worked with Fulham boss Silva at Olympiakos, the pair should gel well.

As such, the manager could get the best out of the full-back, and Fulham should be better for that.

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