Transfer Rumors: Hammers Study CSKA Moscow Midfielder Acquisition With Lingard Deal Still Pending

KEY POINTS

West Ham is considering Nikola Vlasic if the Jesse Lingard chase falls short
West Ham is wary of CSKA Moscow’s $34 million asking fee for Vlasic
Zouma agrees to a five-year deal with the Hammers

West Ham United knows it has to be ready in the event their chase for Jesse Lingard fizzles.

It appears they have one player in mind and that is Nikola Vlasic of CSKA Moscow.

The Croatian midfielder impressed while on loan at London Stadium last season, and it seems this is the reason why the Hammers are considering him, the Guardian reported.

Manchester United is asking for £25 million ($34 million) in exchange for the 28-year-old footballer, a fee that appears too much for the Hammers to pay for.

With uncertainty in the air, Vlasic could be their next best option although questions are in the air about the asking fee of CSKA Moscow.

Koni is asking roughly about the same £25 million ($34 million) in exchange for the Croatian football player.

During his stint with Koni, the 23-year-old has so far had an impressive stint. He scored 12 and 13 goals respectively in the last two seasons. He played for Everton before making the jump to VEB Arena in 2018.

While considering Vlasic makes sense, the asking price of CSKA Moscow for him may not be justifiable. The fact that he struggled in the English Premier League in the past suggests it may not be worth the investment.

Hence if Koni falls short of its chase for Lingard, they are likely to try and negotiate for something lower to get Vlasic to London Stadium.

If that fails to gain any ground, West Ham United may best search for other alternative players instead.

Nikola Vlasic of Croatia Getty Images | Luka Stanzl/Pixsell/MB Media

Another player that West Ham is on the cusp of acquiring is Kurt Zouma of Chelsea. As mentioned in a previous report, the Blues and Hammers have already verbally agreed to a deal for the 26-year-old player.

Despite concerns about the expensive weekly wage demands that Zouma may ask for, it appears that personal terms have been resolved.

Zouma will be joining the Hammers on a five-year deal and is reportedly set to undergo a medical soon.

A deal could be officially sealed as early as Wednesday, Aug. 25, per reports.