Forget Greaves and Mikautadze - West Ham could land these ideal transfer targets instead

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The Hammers are expected to be active in the summer transfer market

It is set to be a busy summer in East London. Already West Ham have appointed a new manager in Julen Lopetegui, as well as wrapping up deals for Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, and, most recently, Max Kilman. But by no means are the Hammers done yet.

It is understood that Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten would ideally like to add another centre-back, at least one versatile full-back, a central midfielder, a left-sided attacker, and a striker to their squad before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

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To that end, several targets have already been touted, including Georgian star Georges Mikautadze and Hull City duo Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene. But according to a series of updates in recent days, the Irons may have been thwarted in their efforts to lure all three to the London Stadium.

As per Get French Football News, Mikautadze is on the cusp of completing a move to AS Monaco, with ‘positive talks’ taking place between the Ligue 1 outfit and his current employers, Metz. Similarly, David Ornstein of The Athletic claims that both Greaves and Philogene could be on their way to newly-promoted Ipswich Town; the former is due to undergo a medical with the Tractor Boys, while the latter is likely to join him at Portman Road - although Crystal Palace could look to hijack the deal.

Regardless, West Ham look set to miss out, and may instead be forced to turn their attention elsewhere. To that end, there are other names doing the rounds in East London. In the centre of defence, Jean-Clair Todibo is understood to be of interest, with the Hammers reportedly having a £25 million bid for the OGC Nice star turned down prior to their swoop for Kilman last week. With Lopetegui intent on signing more than one player in that position, however, it is not unthinkable that the Irons could return with an improved offer - especially considering Todibo’s obvious talent and pedigree.

Still only 24, the Frenchman has spent time on the books at Barcelona and Benfica, as well as winning two caps at senior international level for his country. While fresh reports suggest that Juventus are very much in the race for his signature, nothing has been concretely agreed just yet, and if the Hammers act swiftly, they could still lure him to the Premier League.

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Further forward, Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson is also understood to be on West Ham’s radar. The Gunners have seemingly decided to sell this summer, and with nearly a half century of top flight appearances to his name, as well as a knack for scoring crucial goals at vital junctures, the 24-year-old would represent a proven option only just entering the prime of his career, and capable of playing on either wing, or in an advanced midfield role.

Indeed, Football Insider suggested last month that West Ham, along with Nottingham Forest, have already made contact with Arsenal ahead of a prospective raid - although it remains to be seen how talks would progress if the Hammers were to make a formal approach.

However things pan out, the Irons have plenty of options available to them, and there are arguments to be made for the likes of Todibo and Nelson representing more assured purchases than Greaves and Mikautadze or Philogene. In other words, West Ham’s initial disappointment may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

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