Arthur Masuaku (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, West Ham are willing to offload DR Congo star Arthur Masuaku ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that Hammers boss David Moyes wants to bring in new faces and Masuaku could be one among a host of players to be allowed to leave this summer.
Born in France, the Congo international spent time at the academies of Lens and Valenciennes and made 29 appearances for the latter side before joining Greek giants Olympiacos in the summer of 2014. He established himself as a regular member of the squad and made 74 appearances, helping them lift two Greek titles and one Greek Cup title.
His impressive performance earned him a move to East London in August 2016 and he became an integral member of the squad. He has made 93 appearances for the Hammers to date but lacked regular game time last season. However, West Ham should consider holding on to him for a few more years.
At the moment, Moyes has two left-backs available at the disposal. Aaron Cresswell has been the first-choice on the left side of the defence. The Englishman did a decent job, making 33 appearances last season and scoring 3 goals. And Masuaku is the other option available.
However, Cresswell is already 30 and reaching the twilight of his career. And selling Masuaku at this time could make it difficult for the club. With games coming thick and fast, Moyes will need enough players available on a regular basis to rotate the squad and keep the players away from injury.
Cresswell is 30 and may not be able to feature week in and week out due to ageing. Thus, they should keep hold of Masuaku, who can provide the manager with an extra option. Moreover, Masuaku is just 26 and could also take over from the former Ipswich Town man, once he steps down.
The 26-year-old Congo international may not be at his best but he could prove to be a key player in the next season. The manager should be able to get the best out of Masuaku. Selling him would also make it difficult for the club to find another left-back this summer, especially due to the financial crisis created by the pandemic.
Thus, they should take a chance with the former Olympiacos man and keep him at least until his contract comes to an end.
With limited options in the defence, it would not be wise if the Hammers decide to cash in on several key players. And Masuaku has a few more years left to play at the top level. Thus, they should hold on to the Congo international and manage to get the best out of him.
