West Ham have reportedly identified Bayern Munich midfielder and Manchester United target Leon Goretzka as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.
According to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg, West Ham are plotting an ambitious move to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as the club look to replace Declan Rice. But they could face stiff competition from Manchester United.
The German international has been a key player for the Bundesliga champions since arriving from Schalke in 2018. He formed a world-class, formidable double pivot in the middle of the park alongside Joshua Kimmich. However, he lost his place in the starting XI under Thomas Tuchel at the end of last season. And the dip in his form has also led to concerns among Bayern chiefs over his long-term future at the club.
Tuchel was reportedly not convinced with the midfield combination of Goretzka and Kimmich last term and has signalled his intention to pair Joshua Kimmich with Konrad Laimer next season following Laimer’s arrival from RB Leipzig.
Further, the former Chelsea boss’s plan to add another number six to the squad has led to speculation of a potential Goretzka sale. Although Die Roten are not actively looking to sell Goretzka, with their most of attention on landing Harry Kane from Tottenham, an offer worth €40–50 million could change their mind as it would help them raise additional funds in order to complete a deal for the England captain.
❗️News #Goretzka: He’s on the list of @westhamfootball as a potential top replacement for #Rice!
➡️ Tuchel is still pushing for a new No. 6
➡️ But Goretzka has rejected every offer & request as he definitely wants to stay at FC Bayern!
➡️ Bayern‘s price expectation at this… pic.twitter.com/tGFLXWxGh5— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 17, 2023
The player, who currently has three years left on his contract, is himself determined to stay at Bayern next season and is ready to fight for a place in the team after a difficult last campaign. However, the 28-year-old is subject to interest from the Premier League. According to Sky Sports Germany, West Ham have Goretzka on the shortlist to bolster midfield after the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a British record fee.
The Hammers are yet to sign a single player in the summer transfer window. That looks set to change following the blockbuster sale of Rice. In the official club statement about the Rice sale at the weekend, David Moyes insisted his “full focus” is now on bringing in players capable of improving the team. And he wasn’t messing about.
West Ham have burst onto the scene in the last 48 hours, submitting bids and seeing bids rejected for the likes of Fulham’s Joao Palinha and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. The Hammers first offer of €50 million for Palhinha was turned down by the Cottagers. And while it remains to be seen whether they will return with an improved bid, landing a player of Goretzka’s calibre and international experience would be a huge coup if they manage to pull off this one.
Also Read: Man for the job: Ruthless Erik ten Hag a cut above at Manchester United
Apart from West Ham, Manchester United have also been linked with interest in Goretzka, despite splashing out an initial £55 million on Mason Mount. Ten Hag remains desperate to revamp the middle of the park and is still thought to be open to adding another new midfielder to his ranks this summer, as all three of Fred, Scott McTominay, and Donny van de Beek could be on the move in the coming weeks.
