As well as Kudus, Saudi side now plotting summer swoop 'unbelievable' West Ham player - journalist
Saudi making another approach... ????
West Ham United are now finding themselves in a real battle against the Saudi Pro League to keep hold of some of their players this summer.
With Julen Lopetegui now at the helm, the Irons have actually been one of the busier clubs in the Premier League this summer.
It has been a tricky window for a lot of clubs but West Ham have been able to bring in a number of players already.
The signing of Max Kilman marks one of the biggest pieces of business done all summer as Lopetegui reunites with his former Wolves defender.
However, it has not all be smooth sailing for the Irons as they are facing a real challenge in battling off interest from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi eyeing swoop for another West Ham player
Already this summer, Al-Ittihad have tried their luck in lining up a big money offer for Mohammed Kudus.
It is claimed Al-Ittihad have offered Kudus over £200k-per-week to make the move to Saudi this summer.
The player, however, is believed to be keen to continue with his spell at the London Stadium and he has already informed them of that decision.
But this is not going to stop Al-Ittihad from registering further interest in another of West Ham’s players.
According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Al-Ittihad are eyeing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola as a possible option.
The West Ham goalkeeper is not the Saudi club’s number one option, though.
Al-Ittihad are believed to be eyeing a potential move for the Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson in what would be an impressive acquisition.
But it now seems their efforts may be falling short to land the Brazilian as they are beginning to look at other options.
Losing Alphonse Areola now would be a huge loss
Since arriving at the London Stadium, Lopetegui has really began to build the squad into what he wants for the new campaign.
And losing a player like Areola as pre-season really begins to get going would be a massive loss.
Last season, Areola made 31 appearances in the Premier League as the West Ham number one.
And he received some big praise from Ian Wright for some of his displays earlier on in the 2023/24 campaign.
“Before I mention another one. I think we should mention Areola. He has made some unbelievable saves. He’s gone under the radar,” Wright said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
Losing a player who featured so heavily last season would surely feel like a backwards step for Lopetegui at this stage of the summer.
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