Hamburg ‘reach’ basic agreement for Zakaria El Ouahdi, Arthur an alternative | OneFootball

Hamburg are intensifying their move for KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi before the deadline. Hamburger Abendblatt says a basic agreement is in place with the 24-year-old.

Kicker identifies El Ouahdi as Hamburg’s preferred option and says a deal could cost about €13m plus bonuses.

The Morocco international delivered eight goals and five assists in 34 league games last season, adding four in nine Europa League outings.

Following the exits of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Bakery Jatta is the only established option at right wing-back for head coach Merlin Polzin. HSV want a signing to move ahead of Jatta in the pecking order.

Bayer Leverkusen full-back Arthur remains the alternative if El Ouahdi’s package proves too costly. Florian Plettenberg has reported a verbal agreement with the 23-year-old on a season-long loan without a purchase option. Leverkusen are attempting to sign Strasbourg right-back Guéla Doué and are prepared to sanction Arthur’s temporary departure.

Any outlay for El Ouahdi must be balanced against Hamburg’s parallel push to re-sign Fabio Vieira from Arsenal after his outstanding loan. Personal terms are agreed, but the clubs are split on the fee, with HSV aiming to keep spending below €10m and Arsenal valuing the 26-year-old higher. Even so, Hamburg appear intent on strengthening the right flank before the window closes.

Source: Get German Football News

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”