West Ham United representatives are scheduled to meet with Juventus on Monday as they continue their negotiations for central defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to Tuttosport. As relays the WHZ, the Italian outlet reported that the two clubs are not far apart in terms of the transfer fee for the Swiss international. West Ham is aiming to spend £15.3 million, while Juventus values Zakaria closer to £19.6 million. In the meantime, Juventus is also engaged in negotiations with Lazio for midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting could prove pivotal in West Ham’s pursuit of Zakaria as they seek to secure a fair price and commence the process of rebuilding their midfield following Declan Rice’s departure. After being strongly linked with the 26-year-old, West Ham fans may be on the verge of welcoming their desired acquisition.
West Ham Set for Crucial Negotiations with Juventus over Denis Zakaria Transfer
It is likely that Juventus intends to utilize the funds generated from Zakaria’s sale to facilitate their pursuit of Milinković-Savić, with Lazio valuing the Serbian player at £34 million, despite him having just a year remaining on his contract. While West Ham is yet to make a first-team signing in this transfer window, the club has received a significant budget boost following Declan Rice’s £105 million move to Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
As negotiations near their conclusion, West Ham supporters will hope for a mutually beneficial agreement between the two clubs. Even if Juventus manages to secure their full asking price, Zakaria has the potential to be a valuable addition for the Hammers, especially considering his limited playing time over the past three seasons at Chelsea and Juventus, where he featured in just 18 league games combined.
Zakaria would relish the opportunity to gain more regular minutes under the guidance of manager David Moyes. Furthermore, his move to West Ham would not require him to sacrifice playing European football, as the club has qualified for the Europa League, presenting an enticing prospect for the talented midfielder.