West Ham United have now made contact to sign a former Bayern Munich player, as an alternative to Toulouse star Charlie Cresswell.
Hammers set out to sign new centre-back
West Ham have been very poor from a defensive point of view this season, failing to keep a clean sheet since the 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the end of August, and their current centre-backs have been singled out for some heavy criticism.
Former scout Mick Brown said: “The options they’ve got at the moment, Kilman, Todibo, Mavropanos, none of them are good enough and they’re all far too mistake-prone.
“If Mavropanos’ injury is serious and he’s going to be out for a while, it might just have become more important that they go and get somebody else in.”
The Irons have identified a number of potential targets at centre-back, including RB Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu and AS Monaco’s Eric Dier, with it being revealed Nuno is personally keen on a deal for the English defender.
Toulouse defender Cresswell is also of interest, but a new report from TEAMtalk has revealed the Hammers are struggling to get a deal for the Englishman over the line, and alternative targets are now being identified.
Braga’s Bright Arrey-Mbi is among the options, with West Ham recently making contact to conduct checks on the 22-year-old, whose previous clubs include Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
Four or five targets are on the shortlist, with Nuno & co clearly very keen to improve the defence this month, and Cresswell is the first-choice option, although it is unclear whether a deal for the 23-year-old will be possible.
Arrey-Mbi has been a target since the summer transfer window, and there are some indications he could be a solid addition to Nuno’s backline…
"Beast" Arrey-Mbi could be solid Cresswell alternative
The 17-time Germany U21 international made just one appearance for the Bayern Munich first team, but he did enough to impress former teammate Joshua Kimmich, who said: “Bright is already a beast. You can tell that he uses every muscle on his body. It surprised me in training that he’s not shy at all. He really goes into challenges and has a certain calmness on the ball.”
Subscribe for deeper transfer and defence insights Gain clearer context on club transfer strategies, subscribe to our newsletter for expert coverage and tactical analysis of defensive targets, rumours, and how potential signings fit squads and systems, plus wider transfer coverage.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The defender has since gone on to establish himself as an important player for Braga, making 27 appearances in all competitions this season, and he has caught the eye in the Europa League, putting in a solid display in a 2-0 victory against Red Star Belgrade.
Bright Arrey-Mbi’s stats vs Red Star Belgrade
Number completed
Duels (won)
5 (4)
Accurate passes
47/53 (89%)
Clearances
2
Tackles won
3
Having gained plenty of first-team experience and impressed in Europe this season, Arrey-Mbi could be a solid signing for West Ham, but there may be some concerns over the fact he doesn’t have any experience in one of Europe’s major leagues.
West Ham make approach to sign "phenomenal talent" from Arsenal with reply given
The Irons have asked about one of Mikel Arteta’s gems.
ByEmilio Galantini
As such, a move for Dier, who has 274 Premier League appearances to his name, would perhaps make more sense.