Late last night, RomaPress and Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that AS Roma have submitted an official bid for West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd. The offer comes at a pivotal moment, with the Irons finally opening the door for incoming transfers.
Just the morning before, Di Marzio had reported that Juventus were also in talks with West Ham over a deal for Aguerd.
Roma Step In as Juventus Fall Short
Juventus had tried their luck with a swap deal involving Daniele Rugani. According to Hammers News, that proposal was quickly dismissed. A follow-up cash offer, reportedly under £12 million, was also turned down.
Roma’s bid, however, is understood to be closer to £15 million. While that’s still below the club’s £17 to £20 million valuation, it is significantly more serious.
The offer was made under former sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, who left his post just days ago. It remains to be seen whether his replacement, Frederic Massara, will continue the pursuit.
Hammers Shift in Transfer Strategy?
Until now, West Ham had stuck to a strict policy: no signings until sales are made. But that position has now softened. As per Hammers News, club sources admitted “anything is possible” in terms of incoming transfers.
With Mohammed Kudus also linked heavily with Chelsea, the club is expecting significant funds to come in. That, combined with Roma’s interest in Aguerd, has pushed the Irons into active business mode.
Graham Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay have already put together a shortlist. Now it’s over to the board to make deals happen.
Who’s on the Radar?
Up front, the Hammers are keeping tabs on Evan Guessand (Nice), Emanuel Emegha (Sturm Graz), and Mathias Kvistgaarden (Brøndby). All three are viewed as high-upside striker options.
In midfield, several names have emerged:
- Morten Frendrup (Genoa)
- Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
- Mamady Diambou (RB Salzburg)
- Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
- Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht)
- James McAtee (Manchester City)
Potter wants at least two new midfielders, possibly three, to reshape the engine room.
Defensively, the club are looking at Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton), Koni De Winter (Genoa), Mohammed Salisu (Monaco), and El Hadji Malick Diouf, as reported by ExWHUemployee. In goal, Djordje Petrovic and Mads Hermansen are both being monitored.
Why Aguerd Is in Demand
Aguerd impressed during his loan spell at Real Sociedad, finishing as their second-best player statistically over the season. Sociedad were expected to make the deal permanent, but that didn’t materialise.
Since then, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille, and Atletico Madrid have all shown interest, although Roma now look like front-runners. With their offer on the table, and a sale nearly guaranteed, West Ham are finally ready to get busy in the market.
