Maxime Lopez in action for the France U21 side (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Star, West Ham are set for a summer battle with Tottenham in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez.
A product of the Marseille academy, Maxime Lopez, 22, made his first-team debut at just 18 and has since gone on to play 146 games for the French club. He has racked up three assists in 23 league outings for Marseille so far this season.
The report adds that Lopez is entering the final year of his deal and talks have stalled over a new deal. So he could be available for around £10m this summer, with Sevilla also interested in the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, West Ham signed Darren Randolph, Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen during the January transfer window in a bid to bolster their hopes of beating the drop. The Hammers are 16th in the table, level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth with nine games left in the season.
Overall, the Londoners have shortcomings in certain areas of the pitch and David Moyes must address it in the summer. One area the Scotsman should prioritise reinforcing is the midfield, even after signing Tomas Soucek on loan in January.
Declan Rice has impressed with his performances in the last 18 months or so but he has lacked a reliable player alongside him in the middle of the park.
Mark Noble will turn 33 in May and is entering the twilight of his career, while Jack Wilshere has struggled for fitness since joining from Arsenal on a free transfer in 2018. Carlos Sanchez has proven to be a disastrous signing and his contract is ending in June.
Thus, it’s a no-brainer for the Hammers to bring in midfield reinforcements during the summer transfer window and they must beat the likes of Tottenham and Sevilla to Maxime Lopez’s signature.
A central midfielder by trade, Lopez can play behind the striker or on the right flank when required. Such versatility would make him such a resourceful addition to Moyes’ squad. The France Under-21 international has made 146 appearances for Marseille in all competitions, netting five goals and registering 21 assists.
This gives us an idea about Lopez’s experience in Ligue 1 and European competitions. The Marseille-born star would certainly bring quality and depth to this West Ham squad and would be a useful asset if he shows his true form. If the 22-year-old quickly adapts to the Premier League, he would be influential for the East Londoners in the years to come.
At the age of 22, the Frenchman still has room to learn and improve his game. There are chances of Lopez establishing himself at a higher level under the guidance of Moyes. Hence, West Ham must secure the player’s services in a bid to solve their midfield conundrum.
