Lukas Masopust (Image credit: Google)
As per Czech outlet ISPort (h/t MSN), West Ham have offered £5m to sign Slavia Prague star Lukas Masopust ahead of the new campaign.
Masopust, 27, rose through the ranks of Vysocina Jihlava and joined Jablonec in the summer of 2015. In four seasons with Jablonec, he made 118 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 18 assists before Slavia Prague snapped him up in January 2019. Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as an integral member of the squad.
He helped his side lift the league title and the Czech Cup in his first season with the club and was instrumental in their league-winning campaign in 2019/20. He has also featured 11 times for the national team and has been in sensational form in the last couple of seasons. Thus, West Ham should lure the Czech Republic star at the earliest.
The Hammers have been inconsistent throughout the campaign despite having a plethora of talented stars in their ranks. They managed to secure their top-flight status with a draw against Manchester United in the penultimate game of the season but they have endured another disappointing campaign.
However, with the transfer window open until October, West Ham boss David Moyes should look to strengthen the squad. He needs to bring in reinforcements if they are to pick themselves up and do better in the near future.
One of the major reasons for their lacklustre campaign is the unstable nature of their midfield. Mark Noble, 33, has been their only consistent player. Jack Wilshere was out of action for the majority of the campaign due to injuries and seems to be way away from his best.
Manuel Lanzini hasn’t been the same since his return from a shoulder injury and Felipe Anderson hasn’t been able to contribute enough either. The Hammers have faced limitations in quality despite having some big names in the squad. Thus, bringing in a versatile player would be a wise decision by the club.
In that regard, Masopust seems to be a viable option. The former Jablonec man has been in sensational form in the 2019/20 campaign, racking up 7 goals and 5 assists for his side. A versatile player, the 27-year-old is capable of featuring anywhere on the right side of the pitch.
He could be a massive signing for the club which has lacked goalscoring midfielders. He can also play equally well as a winger and as a right-back, and could provide competition to Andriy Yarmalenko and Anderson in the attacking unit. The Czech Republic international has been consistent and if he is able to replicate the same form, he would be crucial for West Ham next season.
With a lack of quality in several areas, it is clear that West Ham are in dire need of reinforcements. And Masopust could provide them with some much-needed depth on the right side. Thus, making a move for the Czech Republic international would be a wise decision.
