West Ham wanted Amario Cozier-Duberry before Brighton signed him | OneFootball

West Ham United were one of the teams interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Amario Cozier-Duberry before he joined the Seagulls, according to the Evening Standard.

Cozier-Duberry was looking to leave Arsenal after failing to break into the first team, and a host of clubs were after his signature, including West Ham.

The 19-year-old had been with the Gunners’ academy since September 2019 but had not made a first-team appearance. He told the North London club he’d be leaving in June.

Cozier-Duberry would have made a superb addition for the Hammers. He can bring flair and excitement to the right flank, providing cover for Jarrod Bowen.

The London-born youngster, who has been compared to Bukayo Saka, can give the team something different in attack.

However, West Ham will not miss Cozier-Duberry too much after signing exciting right-winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras. The Hammers need to focus their attention on other areas of the pitch.

Other areas West Ham must cover this summer

West Ham have already signed Max Kilman to bolster a defence that conceded 74 goals in 38 Premier League games last term.

Kilman could replace Nayef Aguerd, who will likely be on his way out of the club after a disappointing spell in London.

The Hammers need someone to partner Kilman in central defence, and one exciting name is making the rounds.

Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien is a potential target for the Hammers after a stellar first season in Ligue 1. The Irishman impressed for the French club, helping them keep seven clean sheets in 27 league appearances while winning 61% of his duels.

West Ham are also in dire need of a centre-forward to take the torch from Michail Antonio. Simon Banza, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Georges Mikautadze have been linked, but the club has not moved decisively for any of them.

Meanwhile, the East Londoners must also be looking for a left-sided winger to replace Said Benrahma, who joined Lyon permanently following his loan move.