West Ham will consider offers for Saïd Benrahma this summer. David Moyes, who is ready to step up his interest in Jesse Lingard, wants to improve his attack and could increase his budget by selling Benrahma.
The Algeria winger joined on loan from Brentford in October 2020 and was signed for £30m on a permanent basis during the following transfer window. Benrahma arrived with a big reputation and he has been given opportunities to establish himself.
However Benrahma has lacked consistency during his two seasons at the London Stadium and his wavering form has frustrated Moyes. West Ham’s manager wants to build a side capable of challenging the top six and he is not happy with Benrahma’s inability to influence games on a more frequent basis. The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in all competitions last season but was not a regular starter and his decision-making in the final third has often left much to be desired.
This is a big summer for West Ham, who are looking to push on after finishing seventh and reaching the last four of the Europa League. They are close to signing the Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd for £29.8m and are looking to invest in other areas. Selling Benrahma would increase their spending power, though it remains to be seen whether there is interest in him. It could be difficult for West Ham, who want additions up front, at left-back and in central midfield, to make a profit on Benrahma.
Moyes’s belief is that Lingard would have a bigger impact on his team. The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United and had an impressive loan at West Ham during the 2020-21 season. Lingard enjoyed his time at West Ham and Moyes is pushing to bring him back. He is satisfied that the forward has not lost any motivation. However West Ham could face competition from abroad. Roma have been linked with the England international.
Fraser Forster’s signing has been announced by Tottenham on a two-year contract. The goalkeeper is leaving Southampton at the end of his deal and replaces Pierluigi Gollini, who has returned to Atalanta, as backup to Hugo Loris. He is the second Spurs arrival of the summer after Ivan Perisic.
Alexandre Lacazette is poised to complete his move back to Lyon after taking his medical. The 31-year-old forward is available on a free with his Arsenal contract expiring this month. He spent his whole career at Lyon before joining the Premier League club in 2017.
