West Ham United will reportedly compete with Arsenal and others in the race to sign 23-year-old Croatian centre-back Josip Sutalo.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Josip Sutalo is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The 23-year-old centre-back is also a target for Arsenal. And the Gunners have already submitted a bid worth over €20 million to secure his services in the ongoing transfer window.
Josip Sutalo is a graduate of the Dinamo Zagreb Academy and has spent his entire professional career thus far in his homeland. After passing out from the Dinamo Zagreb youth division, he had a short loan spell at NK Istra. And he has been a mainstay at the back for the Blues in the last two seasons.
The 23-year-old centre-back has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Dinamo Zagreb, chipping in with six goals and four assists. But Sutalo’s time at the Maksimir Stadium might end soon, with an adventure outside his homeland beckoning. And clubs in Premier League, including Arsenal and West Ham United, are interested in him.
The Croatian international has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. And recent reports have claimed that they have been considering pursuing his signature this summer. But the continued interest in Sutalo is surprising, considering Mikel Arteta has five centre-backs at his disposal.
Even if Rob Holding departs from the Emirates this summer, Arsenal can last an entire season with four central defenders. So it is unclear how the Croat will fit into the scheme of things. Nonetheless, he remains a target for Arsenal, with the North London club offering over €20 million to sign him. But the Gunners face stiff competition from West Ham United now.
Widespread reports have linked West Ham United with several centre-backs this summer. And it is not surprising why the Hammers want to sign a central defender in the ongoing transfer window. While Angelo Ogbonna is well into his thirties, Kurt Zouma has blown hot and cold. So it behoves West Ham to invest in a centre-back, with Sutalo emerging as a target.
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But with Arsenal already submitting a bid of over €20 million to secure Sutalo’s services, the Hammers are lagging in the race to sign him. And it will be interesting to see if West Ham will formulate an offer to land the 23-year-old centre-back this summer.
