According to reliable West Ham news website Claret & Hugh, West Ham United could be ready to sell Aaron Cresswell, rated at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, this summer if they retain their Premier League status.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Claret & Hugh says that the east London outfit believe that the 28-year-old’s defensive game has slipped this year, and he could be moved on at the end of the season even though he is their top assister this term.
Cresswell has often been playing as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence in 2018 following injuries to Winston Reid and James Collins – as well as the departure of Jose Fonte to the Chinese Super League in February – but he has struggled to make too much of an impact given the Irons have the worst defensive record in the top flight, with 67 goals conceded.
Claret & Hugh say that while Manchester City and Chelsea have shown an interest in the former Ipswich Town man in the past, they are unlikely to still be interested now following his dip in form – Everton could be a potential destination however, after the Toffees were linked with him last month.
How has Cresswell done this season?
As we mentioned previously, he has struggled from a defensive point of view.
While it is perhaps a little harsh to judge him on his displays at centre-back given it is not his natural position, it isn’t exactly as though he has done well when he has played as a left-back or left wing-back either – as shown in the 4-1 defeat against Man City at the London Stadium this weekend.
That said, the 28-year-old scored his first goal of the campaign against Pep Guardiola’s men with a fine free-kick, while he has seven assists to his name in 33 Premier League appearances during the current campaign, although his crossing and delivery in general still often leaves a lot to be desired.
Should West Ham look to sell him this summer?
It’s difficult to say.
While he has certainly been a great servant for the Irons and has shown that he can be key in the future because of his assists record, the fact that he struggles from a defensive point of view is a huge issue.
With Arthur Masuaku potentially establishing himself as a first-choice wing-back and the east London outfit likely to bring two new centre-backs in this summer, it could leave the 28-year-old surplus to requirements – especially if they do receive an attractive bid from a potential suitor.
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