West Ham unearth target who could meet two criteria by launching £10.1m bid for obscure talent Jakub Kiwior
West Ham are showing a serious interest in Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior, according to reports, and have even put an offer on the table.
It has been a busy summer for West Ham in the transfer market, but they are far from finished. An injury to recent arrival Nayef Aguerd and the departure of Issa Diop have prompted them to go back into the market for defensive reinforcements.
In that regard, they are bidding for Paris Saint-Germain’s Thilo Kehrer. But another option they are making concrete steps for is Jakub Kiwior.
According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham have put an offer worth €12million (£10.1million) on the table to Spezia for the Poland international.
Kiwior only joined Spezia last year, from Zilina in Slovakia. He has since become a full Poland international after making 24 appearances for Spezia; all but two of them came in Serie A.
The Italian top-flight is about to get back underway for the 2022-23 season, a week behind the Premier League, but there could still be movement between the two divisions. Indeed, West Ham are strongly pursuing Kiwior.
They will have to outmuscle Serie A champions AC Milan in the battle for his signature, though. The Rossoneri are also monitoring Kiwior, although that is more with a view to January or next summer.
In contrast, it looks like West Ham are going for him now. As a result, Spezia are reflecting on the offer that the Hammers have submitted.
Jakub Kiwior has appealing traits for West Ham
Still only 22 years old, Kiwior is a left-footed centre-back. West Ham signed Aguerd due to his similar leaning, but may be on the lookout for more balance while the Moroccan and Angelo Ogbonna work back to full fitness.
Therefore, they will be awaiting the outcome of their attempt to sign Kiwior. It remains to be seen what their plan for him would be after.
Although mainly a centre-back, Kiwior has also played in defensive midfield during his burgeoning career so far. That may have caught West Ham’s interest, given they are seeking more depth alongside Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Flynn Downes in that role as well.
Hence, by bringing Kiwior in, they could tick off two of their remaining summer transfer tasks in one go.
A move to West Ham would be a step up for Kiwior, who finished in the bottom half of Serie A with Spezia last term but could compete in European football with West Ham.
Now, it is up to Spezia to decide what happens with the former Anderlecht youth player. If they sell for €12million, they would be making close to an eight-figure profit on him after just 12 months.
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