Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that former Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo has told West Ham United that he wants to join the club. Todibo, who currently plays for Nice, has been linked to several top European clubs, including Manchester United. However, UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules prevent United from signing players from Nice, giving West Ham a boost in their pursuit of the Frenchman.
West Ham have already made an official bid for Todibo, worth around £25m, but it was rejected by Nice. However, the Hammers are confident of getting a deal done if they raise their offer. Romano has stated that West Ham would not have approached Todibo without encouragement from the player’s side, indicating that the defender is keen on the move.
The signing of Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m has not deterred West Ham from pursuing Todibo. In fact, the Hammers are looking to offload players like Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd to raise funds for a second improved bid for Todibo. Zouma has been offered to Nice in exchange for Todibo, while Aguerd’s departure would also pave the way for the Frenchman’s arrival.
Todibo’s price tag is considered too high by West Ham, but the club is willing to negotiate if they can offload some of their players. The defender has played 30 games for Nice last season with an average match rating of just under 7/10, making him an attractive option for West Ham.
West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten has revealed that the club is in a strong financial position to spend, but they are also looking to offload players to add funds to their summer transfer kitty. The signing of Kilman and the pursuit of Todibo indicate that West Ham are serious about overhauling their defense, which was a major concern last season.
The Hammers have also been linked to other defenders, including Lyon’s Jake O’Brien, as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. With the signing of Kilman and the potential arrival of Todibo, West Ham are showing their ambition to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.
In conclusion, West Ham’s pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo is a sign of their ambition to strengthen their defense and compete with the top teams in the Premier League. While the price tag may be too high, the Hammers are willing to negotiate if they can offload some of their players. The signing of Max Kilman and the potential arrival of Todibo indicate that West Ham are serious about overhauling their defense and making a push for the top six next season.