With Edson Alvarez heading towards the exit door, West Ham are lining up possible replacements.
Reports have linked the Irons with three midfielders as the club scrambles to strengthen before the window closes.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos on the radar
Sky Sports reported that the claret and blue are keeping a close eye on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. The 21-year-old shone on loan at Strasbourg last season, earning a Brazil debut under Carlo Ancelotti.
Competition for minutes at Chelsea is tough, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of him. Tim Vickery told Sky Sports: “There’s been interest from West Ham,” but Chelsea’s stance remains unclear given Santos is tied down long-term.
The Sporting News added that Santos has only five Chelsea appearances to his name, four of them coming at the Club World Cup. He has also had loan spells with Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg.
Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau a serious target
Hammers News reported that West Ham are preparing a bid for Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau. Madrid-based journalist Zafer Ertas said the move will follow once Alvarez’s transfer to Fenerbahce is complete.
Mukau, aged 20, is a Belgium-born DR Congo international who impressed against the Irons in pre-season. He also plays alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka at international level.
Barcelona’s Marc Casado under watch
West Ham Zone reported that Barcelona’s Marc Casado is another option being weighed up. Marca claimed both West Ham and Wolves are monitoring the 21-year-old, with a £26m bid not ruled out before the deadline.
Casado has already made 41 appearances for Barcelona, including 36 last season before a ligament injury cut his campaign short. A product of La Masia, he has been trusted by Hansi Flick at the base of midfield.
According to FBref data, Casado averaged 68 passes per game with a 90% completion rate. The Irons previously tried to sign him in 2022, but he rejected the move back then.
A midfield rebuild on the cards
With Alvarez’s departure edging closer, Graham Potter is left with a weakened midfield. Santos, Mukau and Casado have all been reported as possible additions, giving West Ham several routes to address one of their biggest problems before the window shuts.
