West Ham had a difficult summer transfer window.
The club saw a number of fringe players leave, and some first-teamers too, as the likes of Grady Diangana, Albian Ajeti, Jack Wilshere, and Carlos Sanchez all departed.
Diangana’s departure caused the most consternation among supporters as, at the time, it did not seem clear how he would be replaced.
The Hammers did eventually sign Said Benrahma on deadline day, while they also signed Tomas Soucek at the start of the window. Vladimir Coufal also arrived from Slavia Prague, as did Craig Dawson, on loan, from Watford.
Nevertheless, this was a window that was characterised by inactivity, but it has now emerged that the club did try to further strengthen their midfield.
Franck Kessie, the AC Milan midfielder, was a target, according to a new report from Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.
The club attempted to land the Ivory Coast international, as they approached him along with French side AS Monaco.
He was always hopeful of staying at Milan, though, which he has done, and has gone on to play in every Serie A game this season, scoring twice; the club have yet to lose.
The 23-year-old has a contract that runs until 2022 and one has to think that he will be hoping to put pen to paper on an extension in the coming months.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
Shoot for the stars.
Kessie would have been a superb signing, as he is a young, dynamic midfielder with the ability to defend and attack equally as effectively.
While he did not end up joining the club, one has to suggest that this is the succession plan for Mark Noble.
The Hammers captain is approaching the twilight of his career and he will turn 34 in May.
It is clear that the Irons are already preparing for the day that he finally hangs up his boots; Kessie would have been a perfect replacement, though he has clearly decided to stay in Italy for now.