West Ham United are interested in signing Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell this summer, according to the BBC. The Hammers want him in before Monday’s transfer deadline.
West Ham are desperate to reinforce a withering rearguard that has shipped eight goals in two Premier League games and have turned to Cresswell.
The 23-year-old West Ham target was a mainstay as Toulouse finished comfortably in mid-table in Ligue 1 last season.
He helped the club keep nine clean sheets in 31 appearances, winning 66% of his aerial and 51% of his ground duels.
Only five teams in Ligue 1 shipped fewer goals than Toulouse last term. Cresswell also bagged three goals and created three big chances, showing his ability on the offensive front.
He was part of the England Under-21 side that won the European Championship in the summer and was named to the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
Gary Rowett had Cresswell on loan at Millwall and said of the young defender (via LeedsUnitedNews): “We know he’s aggressive and is very good in the air, he’s a threat in the other box as well.”
The 6ft2ins (190cm as listed on Sofascore) centre-back has helped Toulouse keep successive clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season.
Cresswell’s performances have attracted interest from clubs in Serie A and the Premier League. West Ham are the latest to express interest in a move.
West Ham cannot afford to hesitate here. With Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman struggling badly at the back, Cresswell looks like the perfect antidote to their defensive woes.
Strong in the air, composed in possession, and a proven organiser, he could slot in seamlessly alongside Nayef Aguerd, who has often looked stranded without reliable support.
Maybe pairing Cresswell and Aguerd would give the Hammers a platform to build from, especially with Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa providing extra cover in front.
If West Ham are serious about tightening up defensively and pushing up the table, they must pull out all the stops to bring Cresswell to the London Stadium before the window closes.
Stats from Sofascore