West Ham United transfer update as move readied for Atalanta defender Merih Demiral

West Ham are reportedly keen on signing a centre-back this summer and have identified Atalanta’s Merih Demiral as an option.

According to Turkish Football [8 July], the Hammers are ready to make a move for the 25-year-old Turkey international.

Atalanta are said to want £15.3million but are open to negotiations as they want to part ways with the centre-back this summer.

Demiral is an experienced international defender and has also played an impressive number of games in the Champions League.

 

That holds players in good stead and polishes them and the Hammers certainly need that kind of stature in the dressing room if they are to go to the next level.

 

The Turkey international can lead by example and prove to be a valuable asset for David Moyes’ side.

As Atalanta will not be wanting to make a loss on his sale, it remains to be seen how much the Hammers are willing to shell out on him.

The fact that they’re ready to make a move for him means that they mean business and are already planning on what’s to be done with the Declan Rice money.

A new centre-back appears to be among the priorities as David Moyes s Harry Maguire is also being linked with a move to the London Stadium, per the Independent.