West Ham United make bid to seal Denis Zakaria transfer as Juventus respond

West Ham have made a £17.1million approach for Denis Zakaria from Juventus, who are holding out for £21.3million as negotiations continue between the clubs for a deal to take place, according to Alfredo Pedulla.

Pedulla states the Hammers have made a bid for their top midfield target Zakaria, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea, but Juventus are holding out for a deal at their preferred price, with negotiations still open between the clubs.

The bid has been reported as a loan-to-buy move, with Pedulla stating the obligation to purchase the player at the end of the loan is fundamental to the agreement taking place. Zakaria apparently wants to move to the London Stadium.

West Ham have been linked to a host of midfielders this summer as the club look to strengthen after losing captain Declan Rice to Arsenal, with a deal for Zakaria seemingly the most advanced of their reported targets.

Zakaria spent last season on loan at Chelsea but only made seven league appearances for the club who had a very rocky season. He did impress when starting for the Blues and could fit well into West Ham’s new-look midfield next season

After losing Rice, the East London club have also been linked to moves for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Bristol City’s Alex Scott in recent weeks, amid speculation around who the club will bring in to soften the blow of losing their star.

Zakaria definitely seems a good option for their midfield, and as the current frontrunner to start the club’s transfer window off, he is clearly well-liked at the London Stadium.