West Ham transfers: ‘First bid submitted’ as European suitors aim to beat Irons to Declan Rice replacement

West Ham could miss out on transfer target Denis Zakaria as he has been the subject of an opening offer from another club, while a different midfield solution for David Moyes might also crash and burn, according to reports.

West Ham have money to spend after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in a huge £105million deal. They are currently searching for his replacement in midfield and have set their sights on Zakaria, who is now back at Juventus after a disappointing loan spell with Chelsea.

While Zakaria did not make a big impact at Stamford Bridge, managing just 11 appearances and one goal last term, West Ham officials believe the Switzerland ace could shine for them following his impressive performances at Borussia Monchengladbach.

During a four and a half year spell at Gladbach, Zakaria made 146 appearances and established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in Germany.

Zakaria signed for Juventus in January 2022 but is now surplus to requirements. On July 7, West Ham submitted their first bid for the 26-year-old, which was worth an initial €18m (£15.4m) plus an extra €3m (£2.5m) in bonuses. But this was pushed back by Juve as they want a flat fee of €25m (£21.4m) for their player.

Four days later, it emerged that West Ham were ‘unwilling’ to meet that price tag. But that may now result in Zakaria heading to France instead.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Monaco have ‘submitted their first bid’ to try and beat Moyes’ side to Zakaria. Romano does not reveal how much it is worth, but he does state that Zakaria is a ‘priority target’ for Monaco boss Adi Hutter, who ‘knows him well’ from their time together at both Young Boys and Gladbach.

Denis Zakaria ‘assessing options’ amid West Ham, Monaco interest

Romano then confirms that West Ham have been in touch with Juve about a deal. However, it is now up to the player, who is ‘assessing his options’ as he looks to get his career back on track.

It would not come as a surprise if Zakaria rejected West Ham’s advances in order to reunite with Hutter at Monaco. The 49-cap international is not the only midfielder West Ham are keeping tabs on.

They are also interested in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. And according to various sources including BBC Sport and The Telegraph, West Ham have offered Chelsea £40m for the Englishman.

However, this has been rejected. Mauricio Pochettino likes Gallagher and wants to keep working with him. Although, Chelsea chiefs may agree to sell if West Ham return with an improved £50m bid. This would help Chelsea’s financial situation after they went on a colossal spending spree under Todd Boehly in the previous two transfer windows.

Meanwhile, West Ham have ‘accepted an offer’ to let a 2022 signing leave for just half of his original fee, as per a report.