West Ham must fend-off Premier League interest in this star-man

West Ham must fend-off Premier League interest in this star-man

West Ham’s crucial summer means that their transfer business must be spot-on in every aspect, with Slaven Bilic under pressure to ensure that every signing made and sale approved has the best interests of his side at heart.

The Hammers have already made significant waves this summer by signing Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City and securing Michail Antonio’s future with the club, handing their Hammer of the Year a new contract.

West Ham may now have to make similar moves to keep influential midfield Pedro Obiang at the club, who finished runner-up to Antonio in the Hammer of the Year awards, as The Sun states Everton are interested in his signature.

Ronald Koeman is eyeing the midfield ace as a replacement for veteran James McCarthy and aims to utilise Obiang in central midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye, who has excelled in his debut season on Merseyside since signing from Aston Villa last summer.



Everton face difficulty in a deal though as a trio of clubs are said to be interested in Obiang’s services, including Italian giants AC Milan, and West Ham are determined not to sell- as they’re keen to secure Obiang to a new deal.

A new contract for Obiang would secure another crucial piece of business in the transfer market from West Ham and the club definitely need to ensure they don’t sell to a Premier League rival, particularly as Everton are one of the sides they’re aiming to fight for a Europa League spot next season.

A reported price-tag of £15m may be difficult to turn down, particularly as it would give them a huge profit on the £4.3m they paid Sampdoria for Obiang’s services two-years ago, but approving a sale would send the wrong message- especially if it were to a Premier League rival.

Obiang will be crucial in Slaven Bilic’s new-look side next season as the Hammers look to prepare for life without the ageing core of their squad and Obiang will be one of the older players in the Hammers ranks, as he’s 25.

His importance will be significant as West Ham bleed in fresh young talent to their side and Obiang is approaching the prime years of his career, which the Hammers need to see him enjoy at the London Stadium and not elsewhere in the Premier League.

Securing another key-player to the club for the long-term would be another major statement of intent from Slaven Bilic’s side and would continue what has been a fine start to their summer window.