West Ham United are now showing an interest in Atalanta defender Merih Demiral as David Moyes looks to splash the cash.
Merih Demiral has become West Ham United’s latest summer transfer target with a new centre back seemingly on their radar.
That is according to a report from Turkish-Football, who claim that West Ham are keen to bring Demiral to London.
It’s suggested that West Ham were scouting Demiral last season and are now prepared to make their move for his signature.
It’s claimed that Atalanta want around €18million (£15.5million) for Demiral despite allegedly paying around €20million (£17million) to sign him in the first place.
Just why on earth Atalanta would want to take a small hit on Demiral is unclear and we can imagine a fee would end up being a little higher.
After being a key player in the first half of last season, Demiral was maybe a little more in-and-out in the second half of the campaign.
Maybe that’s why Atalanta would cut their losses and it’s suggested that Demiral is keen to make the move to England.
West Ham United could finally sign Merih Demiral
Hammers fans may well remember that Demiral was a target for David Moyes back in the summer of 2021.
Juve Live reported in the summer of 2021 that West Ham wanted to sign Demiral from Juventus.
That move didn’t happen as Demiral instead replaced now-Tottenham defender Cristian Romero by joining Atalanta.
A loan from Juve became permanent – just like Romero’s did with Atalanta – but he could be on the move again.
This is a common occurrence for Demiral, who has been something of a nomadic figure in his career.
Demiral was in the Fenerbahce ranks in his native Turkey before heading to Portugal with Alcanenense and Sporting B.
A return to Turkey materialised in 2018 as Demiral joined Alanyaspor on loan, only to then end up with Sassuolo.
Demiral – once hailed as ‘the new Nemanja Vidic’ – hit a strong run of form and earned himself a move to Juve, but played just 32 times before being sent to Atalanta.
Still only 25, Demiral could make yet another move as West Ham look towards the Turkey international to bolster their back line.
