David Moyes may have only just returned to the London Stadium, but there are already rumours circulating that some of West Ham’s rivals could be in for their prized assets. Reports have emerged in The Express that Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are eying up a £40m move for the Hammers’ centre back Issa Diop. It may be slightly emasculating to sell to your rivals, but if they can start a bidding war, West Ham will have the last laugh.
Diop arrived in London from French side Toulouse, where he had made 95 appearances and was capped for France at U21 level. His first season at the London Stadium was nothing short of spectacular, and he linked incredibly well with fellow new arrival Fabian Balbuena as the pair formed a formidable partnership in the heart of defence that saw the Hammers finish tenth in the Premier League. It appeared the duo would be the face of West Ham’s backline for some time, but things have not gone to plan so far this campaign.
At times West Ham have shipped goals for fun, on average conceding 1.6 per match this season, leaving them with the sixth-worst defensive record in the division. While Diop should not shoulder all of the blame, the 23-year-old has not performed to the same levels this campaign and is having less of an impact on keeping the opposition out. His average number of tackles is down by almost one a game, while his interceptions have also dropped. Another indicator he is not operating at the same level comes in the form of having committed over double the number of fouls as last season.
The Hammers have enough defensive cover to last them the remainder of the season with Angelo Ogbonna if they do not feel they could find a replacement for Diop in January. It is not yet clear if the Frenchman is experiencing a lack of confidence or having a poor season, but before the jury decides West Ham might be wise to cash in on their asset while his stock is still high. Diop arrived for £22m, a then club-record fee, but currently, he is being linked with Chelsea for almost double that amount, and with Spurs also circling it is unlikely West Ham will get a better price.
