West Ham are trying to figure out a loan move for Juventus’ Denis Zakaria as Declan Rice is set to join Arsenal.
According to reports, West Ham United are formulating a plan to sign Zakaria and there have been talks with Juventus to figure out a deal, with the Hammers likely to offer a loan move with an option to buy.
Zakaria spent last season on loan at Chelsea and there were expectations that he would eventually be signed permanently but the move did not bear any fruit for the Swiss. He failed to shine at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea decided not to offer a transfer fee for him.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri does not consider Zakaria as part of his plans going forward as the Italian giants also tackle a period of transition. West Ham could provide a way out for the 26-year-old.
Reportedly, West Ham are only interested in a loan move with an option to buy for the Swiss international as talks with Juventus are underway. The Bianconeri are looking to get the most out of this deal as they still believe Zakaria has a high value in the market.
It is also important to note that the Hammers are looking for an option to buy and not an obligation as they do not want to be stuck in a spot where they have to spend the money. Juventus would prefer an obligation to buy as it guarantees them a transfer fee.
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The rumoured buy-option being offered by West Ham is valued in the region of €18 million but Juventus are looking at a sum of around €25 million.
Zakaria initially started at local club Servette in his hometown of Geneva, Switzerland before being bought by BSC Young Boys. He made over 50 appearances for the Swiss giants before moving to German club Borussia Monchengladbach in 2017, for whom he made over 130 appearances.
The Swiss then got his big move to Juventus in the January of 2022 but only made a handful of appearances for the Italian giants as he joined Chelsea on loan just at the start of the next season.
Zakaria was considered by many across Europe as one of the best up-and-coming young midfielders in his time at Monchengladbach but he has been unable to transfer that potential to consistent performances at the highest level.
West Ham could potentially offer him another chance in the Premier League while also staying in London but are looking for a safe deal as they are unsure about the player even though they rate him highly.
