West Ham United have tabled a concrete bid of £6.8m for Lyon winger Rachid Ghezzal as they look to bolster their attacking department ahead of an eagerly awaited season. West Ham will hope to qualify for the Europa League after overcoming their first qualifier this time around and once they do that the team’s squad depth will be tested to the brink.
The Hammers had a bittersweet season last year as the team gave an extremely healthy account of themselves against the big clubs in the league. Most of the matches involving West Ham against the Top 6 were end to end and they were more than able to match the more illustrated opponents in all the departments. While they managed to raise their game for the aforementioned matches, supporters were mainly frustrated watching their team falter against the so-called lesser opponents which affected their chances of an automatic European qualification spot. And there was also the emotional upheaval towards the end with the last end of a journey at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers have looked sure of themselves over the summer and have gone about their business efficiently. But it has not been without an odd glitch here and there. While the club was successful in tying their important players on longer contracts, they have been largely unsuccessful in their quest of signing a striker who would provide an upgrade to the players currently at the club. They have faced rejection on several counts with the targets holding out for Champions League football.
But Bilic has kept on strengthening his squad in other areas as well, though his hand has been forced a couple of times due to the injury to certain players. West Ham recently signed Arthur Masuaku to cover for the injured Cresswell and in the aftermath of an injury to playmaker Lanzini he has tabled a bid for Ghezzal in order to add to his options in the attacking third.
He primarily plays on the wide left-hand side but is also capable of playing in the centre and on the right wing. The 24-year old is a good dribbler and looks to play the final ball often. His passing is also spot-on and is a threat on set-pieces. But he will have to work on his finishing and aerial ability in order to cement his place in the team. He has represented Algeria 6 times and has scored 8 goals and 7 assists during the last season in Ligue 1.
The player is in negotiations with his current club regarding a new deal but both the club and the player are keeping their options open. And according to latest reports Everton have swooped in with a higher offer so West Ham will have to get a move on if they want to land the player.
