West Ham considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley in an attempt to reunite him with former boss David Moyes.
According to a report published by Mirror, West Ham are seeking the services of Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley in an attempt to reunite him with former coach David Moyes.
Chelsea signed Barkley from Everton in the January transfer window in 2018 for a fee that exceeded £15 million. This deal followed an impressive 2016/17 season, where he scored five goals and assisted eight in 36 appearances for the Toffees. He was absent through injury for a majority part of next season, but returned to action in 2018/19 where he scored thrice and set up five goals.
Barkley is used to attempting over-the-top moves including attempting to dribble past several players at a time or shooting from way too far out. His less than convincing displays and an inconsistent season in the centre of the park has attracted criticism from the fans. Moreover, the rise of Mason Mount in this Chelsea team has impacted his playing time, which could force him out of the club.
The Englishman is not courted by many clubs, but West Ham have come ahead as possible suitors. Barkley played under current Hammers’ boss Moyes during his time at Everton, who gave him his debut in 2011 against Queens Park Rangers. At the time, Tim Cahill hailed him as one of the most talented midfielders he had worked or seen, but it is fair to say the 26-year-old has not lived up to expectations.
West Ham have only four central midfielders on their payroll at the moment, out of which one is loanee Tomas Soucek. Captain Mark Noble is into the last phase of his career and Jack Wilshere is too injury prone. As for Declan Rice, he may well soon be onto better and bigger things.
Barkley could add the energy that has been missing from the West Ham midfield for years now. He could also play as an attacking midfielder in their preferred 4-2-3-1, a position that has been problematic for them despite the return of Manuel Lanzini. It will be interesting to see how this transfer story unfolds in the coming months.
