According to reports, West Ham United are interested in signing Nicolas Otamendi from Manchester City.
The Argentine has seen his game time at the Etihad reduced over the past 12 months as he appeared just 18 times in the league last term.
Otamendi could be exactly what West Ham need in order to really make a push for the European places this season.
Firstly you have to talk about the talent that he possesses and his pedigree.
It was only two seasons ago that the 31-year-old was the first-choice centre-back in a team that got 100 Premier League points. He made the PFA Team of the Year that season, and ultimately he was one of the best defenders in the division.
Signing a player of that calibre would be brilliant for any team, but at West Ham, it’s even more perfect.
This move would see Otamendi reunite with Manuel Pellegrini. He spent a season playing under Pellegrini at Man City, and it surely wouldn’t take long for the Argentine to acclimatise to his old manager’s tactics due to the fact he has already played under him.
In fact, it can be argued that the defender was at his best when he was working under the Chilean. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.47 during the season he worked under the current West Ham boss, which is better than his average rating during 2017/18 where he made the PFA Team of the Year.
Not only would he be a fantastic addition in terms of his individual talents, but he could also help develop the Hammers’ other players.
Aged just 22, Issa Diop had a solid first season with the Hammers as he attracted the attention of Manchester United, but at his age, there is still room for development.
Otamendi has previously proven that he can help young defenders develop as John Stones has previously complimented the Argentine on helping him improve.
It’s a signing that makes so much sense. He’d be a great addition on the pitch, he’s proven he can work with the manager, and he can also help improve their other players.