Masuaku’s agent answers the big question

Arthur Masuaku wants to stay at West Ham and that comes directly from his agent.

Having started eight games the former Olympiacos left back was left on the bench in favour of Aaron Cresswell at Huddersfield but remains determined to learn under Manuel Pellegrini.

His agent, Panos Galariotis, has made it clear on the Italian website Tutto Mercato Web that Arthur is happy to take his chances under Manuel Pellegrini.

He said: “He has a great manager like Pellegrini. He is happy, players are learning a lot with him [Pellegrini] and from him. It’s a great chance and he’s also playing regularly in a four man defence.

He added that there had been several inquiries for the player’s services from elsewhere but thatr Pellegrini’s arrival at the club had been key in him wanting to stay.

He added: “It’s true, I received a lot of calls, but Arthur is happy at West Ham and has been convinced by the arrival of Pellegrini that they will have a great season,” he explained.

ClaretandHugh says: Both Arthur and Aaron Cresswell have taken more knocking than enough this season and there is no denying that neither have been at their best. Arthur is not a left back but when he is freed to charge off on those exciting runs down the wing he has much to offer. However,   there’s also been a problem in that area over the eight games he has played – the lack of a final killer cross. And until he can recapture that ability there’s going to be a big question mark over him given the worries about his defensive abilities. That his agent claims there have been offers is exactly what we would expect him to say at this stage of proceedings, but in a couple of months when the window opens much is likely to be revealed. Short or long term, we reckon Arthur is more likely to be seen as a left sided midfield option than Cressie is as a a defensive left back – a signing we confidently expect to be made in January.