West Ham still in ‘pole position’ to sign midfielder – Now face unwanted competition with new Saudi money

The Italian media continues to show optimism regarding West Ham’s chase for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria.

A story from TuttoMercatoWeb today claims that the Hammers are still in ‘pole position’ to land the 26-year-old this summer.

West Ham just need to understand that they’re not alone in that race, because it’s said that Lens could get also interested in him in case Seko Fofana left the club, which he now has after his move to Al-Nassr was officially announced earlier today.

So he may get an offer from the French side, who have now have new Saudi money in their bank account.

Juventus are sorting several midfield departures this summer, as besides Zakaria, the likes of Arthur Melo and Weston McKennie also stand at the club’s exit door.

Back on Monday, we saw claims in TV Play claiming Zakaria was ‘very close’ to joining West Ham.

Tuttosport’s most recent story on this chase claimed the Hammers were offering €13m for the signing, while the Bianconeri planned to make over €20m with the sale, so that’s the gap the clubs still need to sort.