With Emerson Palmieri’s departure from West Ham all but confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the search for a new left-back is well underway.

According to reports from PianetaMilan, a well-known Italian outlet, Oleksandr Zinchenko has now emerged as a serious target.

While it’s unclear how reliable the rumour is from West Ham’s point of view, it’s certainly worth noting given PianetaMilan’s reputation among Milan supporters for delivering timely transfer news and club updates.

The Apparent West Ham Interest

The Hammers are reportedly willing to meet Arsenal’s €15 million asking price for the Ukrainian international, who still has two years left on his contract.

Zinchenko is also believed to be open to reducing his wages to facilitate a move away from the Emirates.

While AC Milan remains his preferred destination, their hesitancy to meet Arsenal’s fee could hand West Ham a real opening.

A Risky Fit for the Left Side?

On paper, Zinchenko is a talented and technically sound player. He’s played at the highest level with City and Arsenal, and his ability to drift into midfield could appeal to Graham Potter’s flexible tactical approach.

But there are still some notable concerns about this potential signing. While Zinchenko is capable going forward, he often vacates that left channel too easily and has a habit of going missing defensively – something we’ve already struggled with on that side.

This isn’t just a one-off opinion either. Among the fanbase, there’s a general feeling that while Zinchenko might bring quality, he doesn’t necessarily bring the reliability we need, especially after what we’ve endured defensively in recent seasons.

The Case for Ollie Scarles

Rather than banking on another high-profile signing who might not fit the system, some fans (myself included) would rather see 18-year-old Ollie Scarles given a proper run at left-back.

He’s shown real promise in limited first-team appearances, and giving him the number one spot could help shape the future of the squad. That said, West Ham should still bring in someone more experienced as backup or rotation – just not necessarily a player with Zinchenko’s profile.

What Happens Next?

Talks are still ongoing, and while Milan may still be in the picture, they’ve yet to match West Ham’s financial offer. Arsenal are open to selling, and with Zinchenko seemingly willing to move, this could be one to watch over the coming days.

But the bigger question is whether this move is right for the Hammers – or just another short-term fix in a position that desperately needs long-term thinking.

As it stands, Zinchenko to West Ham is gathering momentum. But not everyone is convinced it’s the right call.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.