West Ham learn seven suitors to stay ahead of in winger transfer battle – including Arsenal
West Ham United and Arsenal remain in contention for the transfer of Serbian star Filip Kostic, according to reports that reveal their European competition.
Kostic could be approaching the end of his time with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Bundesliga club only have him under contract until the end of next season. Therefore, they could consider a summer sale to avoid losing him for free in 2023.
The winger is in the prime of his career at the age of 29. He has provided eight assists and three goals from 24 Bundesliga appearances this season; last term he got 14 and four respectively from 30.
His consistency has been clear to see, which makes him an appealing proposition for many clubs in a cut-price transfer. West Ham United were one of the suitors mentioned in January, when they were tipped to be part of an auction also involving Arsenal.
According to the latest list of interested parties, provided by Radiosei, West Ham and Arsenal are both still in contention for the Kostic transfer.
To sign him, though, they are rivalling four Serie A sides – namely Inter, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina.
In addition, La Liga pair Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are also keeping tabs on the former Hamburg man.
It is not yet clear who are the frontrunners to sign Kostic. What is worth keeping in mind is that the two rivals from the Italian capital, Roma and Lazio, have longer-term interest in him.
Lazio tried to sign him last summer. However, it fell through in controversial circumstances after accusations of the wrong email address being used to submit a bid.
Their rivals Roma were also keen. But Jose Mourinho did not have enough space in his squad or budget to accommodate him at that point.
Now, either Rome-based side could use their long-standing interest to their advantage. Alternatively, they may come to regret not getting a deal over the line last year now other parties are keen.
Kostic could get European football with Premier League transfer
A move to West Ham or Arsenal would give Kostic the chance to play in Europe, presumably. The Hammers are trying to reach the Europa League for a second season running (or at least the Conference League); Arsenal meanwhile look likely to secure a long-awaited return to the Champions League.
Kostic has already been playing at Europa League level this season with Frankfurt. It may soon be time for him to choose a new club though.
Having never played in the Premier League, Serie A or La Liga before, he looks set for a fresh start in his career. He will be hoping to make the right choice.
West Ham’s interest may stem from the fact they had Jesse Lingard on loan this time last year but couldn’t sign him permanently. Replacement Nikola Vlasic has not fared as well.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have a few options in attacking midfield. But if, for example, Gabriel Martinelli is converted to a centre-forward or Nicolas Pepe is sold, they may end up with a gap to fill out wide.
Their fellow London side, West Ham, have been installed as among the favourites to land Kostic ahead of them though – at least for now.
READ MORE: West Ham gearing up for battle with big names for transfer of Real Madrid ace
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