Journalist Alex Crook has claimed that West Ham United signing a left-back this summer would solve two issues.
West Ham have signed six players in this summer’s transfer window, one of them being Maxwel Cornet, who played primarily on the wing last season for Burnley, but has offered his services at left-back in the past.
Meanwhile, The Hammers are reportedly interested in signing Emerson from Chelsea this summer and proposed a bid in the region of £13m for him, but they face competition from Nice, who are also interested.
Whilst speaking with GiveMeSport, Crook claimed that West Ham want to improve their attacking options, and the introduction of another left-back could mean that Cornet – apparently bought as a defensive player – could be utilised further up the pitch more often.
He said: “I think they want to [add attacking options]. Although, interestingly, if Emerson or another came in as a left-back or a left wing-back, I think the plan originally with Maxwel Cornet was to use him defensively.
“They might just try him out further forward now, with a left-back potentially coming in. A left-back’s arrival might solve two problems.”
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TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
West Ham have just one natural left-back in their squad in the form of Aaron Cresswell, and with Cornet capable of playing in that position, he may have been expected to act as cover in that area, but the emerged interest in Emerson could lead to the Ivorian being used further forward if they follow through on the Italian defender.
Emerson could be a cheap option for the Hammers as he is heavily out of favour at Chelsea. He has not been named in either of their matchday squads so far, suggesting Thomas Tuchel might be keen to let him go.
Cornet was really impressive last season in a struggling Burnley side, featuring 28 times in all competitions and scoring nine goals whilst chipping in with two assists, so West Ham might have seen this and thought that playing alongside better players could see him improve on these numbers.