West Ham handed fresh boost in bid to land Declan Rice replacement Pep Guardiola says is 'physically strong'

West Ham are now said to be pushing for a statement signing that could finally see them replace Declan Rice. The Hammers are expected to strengthen significantly during this summer window, and they have already made a start, although they have lost Mohammed Kudus.

Graham Potter struggled to get the best out of the Iron in the second half of last season, but he will get a squad built for his way of playing this season, and that should help his cause.

A striker signing is high on the list, and Callum Wilson is expected to arrive from Newcastle United, while the holding midfielder role is also one that needs addressing. Guido Rodriguez’s future is uncertain at this stage, while Potter needs better competition for Edson Alvarez.

One potential option is former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is looking for a way out of Juventus having found himself surplus to requirements. Luiz has struggled for game time, and he is now said to want out, with the Old Lady happy to get rid of him.

With the Italian giants unlikely to make their money back this summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that they are willing to allow the midfielder to leave on a loan deal with the option to buy. The Hammers are credited with an interest.

Luiz has proven he has the ability to play in a top-half Premier League side having been a huge success with Aston Villa under Unai Emery. The Spaniard said of Luiz previously: “I am very happy for him but I am also demanding with him. He is playing more consistently at home than away. I was speaking with him and told him he is very important for us but I also said: ‘You can do more. I am going to try and push you to do more.’

“I think he can take more responsibility in our build-up. Of course he is scoring a lot of goals but he can add more assists. When we lost at Nottingham Forest last Sunday, I was waiting for him to do more on the ball. The matches we played at Wolves and Alkmaar were other examples of this. Every day in our meetings I am being demanding with everyone.”

Luiz praise

West Ham have struggled to properly replace Declan Rice, although it was never going to be an easy job given the calibre of player the England international is. Luiz could be that man if West Ham can get a deal done, though there will surely be competition.

Luiz was key to Villa’s success during his time there, and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer acknowledged that, saying back in 2023: “Aston Villa keep going from strength to strength under Emery, and one player who has typified their incredible start to the season is Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder produced another outstanding display in midfield against West Ham United on Sunday as his brace helped Villa to an impressive 4-1 win. Two goals in a dominant display. He really led his team well. He’s been laying the foundations for Villa’s success this season.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said in 2021: “He’s a guy who plays all of the minutes. He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy. Today, when he was involved in the game, defensively, offensively, he was good.”

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