Chelsea appears poised to deliver a significant setback to West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca are both eager to bolster their squads at the London Stadium and Stamford Bridge, respectively, this summer.
Lopetegui has already made some strong additions but needs several more signings to ensure the Hammers can compete on all fronts next season.
The Spaniard is reportedly targeting at least six new acquisitions this summer, meaning three more arrivals are expected at a minimum. His top priority is securing a top-class striker, followed by a potential central defender.
However, Chelsea could disrupt one of Lopetegui’s key plans.
The Blues seem ready to inflict a major blow to Lopetegui’s transfer strategy. According to Radio Punto Nuovo, Chelsea is pursuing Mario Hermoso on a free transfer following his release from Atletico Madrid—a player deemed crucial to West Ham’s plans this summer.
Hermoso, described as an ‘incredible’ central defender by Breaking the Lines, would be a valuable addition for West Ham, especially given Lopetegui’s need for multiple signings and the club’s limited budget. Chelsea’s interest in Hermoso is clearly a setback for West Ham.
The 29-year-old defender, experienced in Diego Simeone’s disciplined back-line at Atletico, would fit seamlessly into Lopetegui’s system alongside Max Kilman.
In 31 La Liga appearances last season, Hermoso averaged 1.5 tackles, one interception, 2.6 clearances, and 1.5 successful aerial duels per game, according to WhoScored.
Hermoso is also adept with the ball, averaging 57.4 passes per game with an 87.1% completion rate last season. Despite standing at 6ft, he compensates with impressive jumping ability and can also play as a left-back, making him an ideal upgrade over Nayef Aguerd and a long-term replacement for Angelo Ogbonna.
If Chelsea beats West Ham to Hermoso’s signing, it would be a significant setback for the Hammers this summer.
