Denis Zakaria in his Chelsea days
West Ham – despite denying they want to sign Swiss international Denis Zakaria to a permanent deal – have admitted there remains a small interest in the player as a loan signing.
We revealed earlier that stories of him arriving at the club on Monday had been categorically denied by the club but that they have retained a moderate interest in the midfielder.
Claret and Hugh has been back to the same source who explained the situation more fully to us saying the Hammers have a small interest in loaning the player but no more than that.
Clearly, however, the former Chelsea loanee certainly isn’t seen as the replacement for Declan Rice suggested by various media outlets as they look to the Hammers getting their window started.
That could now take longer than expected with it now reported that he will not be having an Arsenal medical until later
So an agreeable payment plan for the purchase of quality Rice still hasn’t been Hammered out with the Gunners? It’s a bit like pulling teeth, isn’t it! Perhaps Arteta is guilty of currying favour with his target player in order to get Rice onto the Arsenal menu. Now Declan seems to be the meat in the sandwich.