West Ham eyeing double swoop to fix midfield conundrum | OneFootball

West Ham United are working on a double swoop to strengthen their midfield, with a deal for Soungoutou Magassa nearing its completion, while an approach has been made to Nottingham Forest for Ibrahim Sangare.

Soungoutou Magassa’s move from AS Monaco to West Ham is all but done after the clubs recently agreed a €20 million deal.

The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed across the last two seasons in Ligue 1, showcasing versatility by operating as a midfielder and occasionally as a centre-back.

Magassa, a French youth international with experience at under-20, under-21, and Olympic levels, is known for his physicality, passing range and work rate, qualities West Ham desperately need after a challenging start to the Premier League season.

In addition to Magassa, West Ham are also actively pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare.

The 27-year-old Ivorian has been the subject of a loan proposal, with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, as West Ham look to add defensive steel and dynamism to their midfield core.

Both targets reflect West Ham’s pressing issues in midfield after conceding eight goals in their opening two league matches off the back of Friday’s 5-1 defeat to Chelsea.

They were thoroughly outplayed last time out, and it is no surprise that manager Graham Potter, under mounting pressure, has prioritised strengthening the midfield as the transfer window enters its final phase.

West Ham are also eyeing added creativity in the centre of the pitch, but are currently faced with budgetary constraints.

While they managed to get Edson Alvarez’s wages off the books, the Hammers were unable to secure a permanent exit for the Mexican, which would have brought in some funds.

However, Guido Rodriguez has also been placed on the market, and his departure could provide financial leeway to do some much-needed business.