West Ham United eye double transfer raid amid ‘interest’ in Arsenal-linked midfielder

West Ham and Arsenal have reportedly made enquiries over the availability of Manchester City star Oleksander Zinchenko.

The versatile left-sided player is currently on international duty with Ukraine and suffered World Cup heartache after missing out on a place in Qatar following their 1-0 play-off defeat against Wales on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, an emotional Zinchenko said: “Every one of us gave everything today, we left everything on the pitch.

“In general I don’t think we deserved to lose, but that’s football, it happens.

“Football is about emotions, we can bring some great emotions to our fans, but unfortunately today we didn’t get the result we wanted.

“Everyone needs to continue to fight, as footballers we need to represent our country as best we can.

“Everyone needs to live in peace and we need to stop the war altogether. Today it’s Ukraine, but who knows tomorrow? We need to stay together.”

The 25-year-old is expected to remain with his national side as they face a trio of Nations League fixtures over the ten days with a double-header against Republic of Ireland coming either side of a game against Armenia.

Speculation over his future has continued with a whole host of clubs said to be keen on Zinchenko as Hammers manager David Moyes looks to bolster his midfield options during the close-season.

With Mark Noble and loanee Alex Kral both departing, the Evening Standard have reported Moyes is ready to step up his bid for the Ukrainian.

That follows an unsuccessful January bid for Leeds United and England star Kalvin Phillips and the report also suggests the Scot is interested in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.

He will likely face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and both sides are said to be ‘attracted to the idea of the Ukrainian being able to play in midfield or at left-back’.

Crucially, Manchester City are believed to be ‘unlikely’ to stand in Zinchenko’s way if he should ask to leave the Premier League champions.