West Ham is considering a last-minute bid to recruit their own Konate.

This Premier League player would be a true “soldier” for David Moyes to sign.

While the focus of the West Ham United transfer rumors in the latter stages of January is rightfully on bolstering the front line, David Moyes is eager to add players to his team at a variety of positions.

Given that Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, and Michail Antonio are all sidelined and that the talisman is unlikely to return before March, it is hardly surprising that the Irons are pressing Al-Ittihad to agree to a loan agreement for Portuguese winger Jota before Thursday’s deadline.

In order to make room for the exciting new addition, a £15 million fee has been agreed upon between Real Betis and Lyon for the transfer of Said Benrahma. Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips completed his loan transfer from Manchester City to the London Stadium last week. Pablo Fornals is nearing Real Betis.

Although the window started slowly, things are quickly heating up, and Moyes may try to take advantage of the hectic pace of the window’s final weeks by making an attempt to sign a Premier League player who hasn’t played yet this season.

West Ham eyeing Premier League defender

Trevoh Chalobah, a dynamic Chelsea defender, is being watched by West Ham, according to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, who covers transfers. Chalobah hasn’t played for West Ham this season due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury back in August.

Chalobah was a target for the Hammers during the summer, and they may make a move for him again in the near future. Earlier in the season, a bid of about £25 million was suggested for his sale.

Chelsea established a £45 million asking price for the 23-year-old last summer, but no buyer was willing to match it. Given that Chalobah is currently unemployed and hasn’t played this season, it is unlikely that Chelsea will be able to maintain this amount.yet to feature this term

Trevoh Chalobah could be Moyes’ own Ibrahima Konate

Though Chalobah hasn’t played this season, potential scout Jacek Kulig complimented him for his “ice cold” calm last season, demonstrating his value as a versatile and promising Premier League player for a failing Chelsea team.

With 63 games under his belt for the Stamford Bridge team, Chalobah has scored four goals and demonstrated his versatility by playing well in central defense, out wide, and as the midfield’s rock.

The 6 foot 3 titan is ranked in the top 5% of center-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for passes attempted, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries, the top 4% for successful take-ons, and the top 7% for tackles per ninety. These rankings are based on data from FBref.

The £50,000-per-week ace is obviously a brilliant distributor as well as a commanding presence. Given that Chalobah is compared to Ibrahima Konate, a dangerous player for Liverpool, Moyes may be on to something when it comes to keeping an eye on Chalobah’s circumstances in west London.

After Jurgen Klopp’s team fulfilled Konate’s £36 million release clause with RB Leipzig in 2020, the France international signed with Liverpool. Despite his inconsistent fitness, Konate has been called a “absolute beast” for his incredible recent performances.

The dearth of depth in the Anfield defensive ranks was exacerbated by Joel Matip’s season-ending injury, but Konate’s recent work has been essential to the Premier League table-toppers’ quest for hardware on several fronts this season.

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In 15 Premier League games this season, the 24-year-old has completed 89% of his passes, averaged 0.4 crucial passes, 1.5 tackles, and 4.3 ball recoveries per game, and won 65% of his contested duels, according to Sofascore.

Additionally, the 6′ 4″ monster is among his positional peers’ top 20% for shot-creating actions, top 9% for passes attempted, top 14% for progressive passes, top 15% for successful take-ons, top 10% for tackles, and top 8% for aerial wins per 90.

Konate and Chalobah are clearly similar, even though the Chelsea player has a leaner, rangier build. Despite this, he is a towering defender who has earned the nickname “soldier” in the backline from former Blues manager Graham Potter for his assertive and combative play.

How Chalobah would slot in at West Ham

Chalobah is a natural and progressive distributor, and a Hammers team trying to absorb pressure and chuck the ball through the lanes into the danger zone would benefit greatly from his forward-thinking style of play.

While Chelsea failed to succeed last season, he was still able to demonstrate the core of his abilities in his 25 Premier League games. His tactical acumen and his deft passing are appealing aspects of his skill set.

Chalobah won 63% of his ground duels in 2022–23, completed 89% of his passes, and averaged 1.2 tackles and 2.2 clearances per game.

Although strengthening the front line is West Ham’s first priority, it makes sense to make plans to hire Chalobah, a gifted defender who might follow in the footsteps of Hammers captain Kurt Zouma by relocating to east London and launching a successful career.