West Ham weigh up Mazraoui or Wan-Bissaka to solve right-back conundrum | OneFootball

West Ham United are exploring a deal to sign Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The Hammers are looking for a new right-back following the departure of back-up Ben Johnson. Meanwhile, first-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal is turning 32 next month and needs a successor.

Mazraoui has become surplus to requirements at Bayern with Joshua Kimmich returning to right-back, and Josip Stanisic is due back from his loan at Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern have decided to sell Mazraoui, whose deal runs till 2026, and want €20-25 million to let him go, although they are wary that they may need to sell for around €15-20m.

However, West Ham face competition from Manchester United for Mazraoui’s signature. Man United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on a reunion after working with the Moroccan at Ajax.

Interestingly, United defender and West Ham target Aaron Wan-Bissaka features in the equation. Man Utd are considering replacing Wan-Bissaka with Mazroaui.

United have lowered their demand for Wan-Bissaka to £10m to get West Ham to move for the former Crystal Palace star.

Wan-Bissaka is the better option for the Irons

While Mazraoui offers a more attacking threat, West Ham might be better served by the defensive solidity of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Unlike Mazraoui, Wan-Bissaka has extensive Premier League experience, having played over 170 games in the English top flight.

This familiarity with the league’s intensity and physicality could be invaluable for West Ham’s backline.

At a reported £10 million, Wan-Bissaka represents a slightly cheaper option than Mazraoui (€15-20 million price tag). This frees up valuable funds that West Ham can use to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Also, West Ham conceded 74 goals in the league last season, highlighting the need for defensive stability.

Wan-Bissaka is renowned for his tackling prowess and one-on-one defending, which could shore up the Hammers’ backline.