FanSided World Football
·27 October 2024
FanSided World Football
·27 October 2024
One of the biggest reasons for West Ham's inconsistent Premier League performances is the fact that some of their best players last season haven't adapted well under manager Julen Lopetegui. First-team starters such as Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez and Alphonse Areola have been underwhelming with their decision-making in key moments and the latter two are also rumoured to be leaving the club next season.
Alongside them, Emerson hasn't enjoyed a great form in the ongoing season and the 30-year-old made a defensive mistake against Brentford in the 1-1 draw. Further, West Ham don't have enough squad depth on the left-back position with 34-year-old fullback Aaron Cresswell being the only other available left-back in the squad. Therefore, the Hammers may consider making a move for a versatile fullback and £50 million Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell could be a good option for Julen Lopetegui's side.
The 27-year-old defender was previously linked with a move to West Ham during the final week of the summer transfer window in-case Emerson departed the London Stadium to join a new club. That didn't happen, but Emerson has often had to advance forward to create some huge chances for West Ham which has left a lot of space behind the Hammers defence.
A lot of goals West Ham have conceded in this similar pattern, and thus, having a more all-round left-back such as Chilwell can provide more defensive solidity to the starting lineup. On top of that, Chelsea are also willing to send Chilwell on an 18-month loan deal, which can provide enough time to West Ham to bring in a long-term reinforcement at the left-back position while successfully achieving good results throughout the season.
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The 27-year-old has made only one appearance for Chelsea this season which came in a huge 5-0 win in the Carabao Cup last month, thus, would be keen to join West Ham in order to get more playing time. Chilwell established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the Premier League while playing for Leicester previously, and it remains to be seen whether Julen Lopetegui’s side decide to add him to their defensive ranks in the January transfer window.