West Ham have been linked with Marseille midfielder Morgan Sanson at numerous points this transfer window.
The latest report comes from L’Equipe, who claim there have been talks between the two clubs in the last week, but things have slowed down.
Though reports refuse to go away regarding a move for Sanson, so here is a profile on the 24-year-old:
Who is he?
Sanson signed for Marseille from Montpellier in an £8.1million deal in 2017.
He has since gone on to represent them 108 times, scoring 18 goals and assisting 14 times.
The Frenchman has represented his country at Under 19 and Under 21 level, though is yet to take the step up to Didier Deschamps’ senior side.
Style of play
According to WhoScored, Sanson’s strengths are dribbling, finishing, long shots, concentration and defensive contributions – while his main weakness is cited as aerial duels.
He can play as an attacking or defensive midfielder but is mostly used to playing in a central midfield role.
He likes to tackle, plays the ball long often and likes to dribble with the ball.
How would he fit in?
If he was to join West Ham, Sanson could work very well in a midfield three with Declan Rice and Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini.
He has a balanced game, scoring five goals and getting three assists, while also making 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 last season.
He would likely fit into Manuel Pellegrini’s system very well, acting as a link between the attacking four and more defensive players in the side.
Is he worth signing?
West Ham have bigger problem areas to deal with at the moment, but Sanson is certainly a good option for the Hammers.
Marseille have financial problems, which could potentially be exploited to get him under his market value – if this is the case West Ham should go for it.
Though it would be interesting to see what would be done about Lanzini if the Frenchman was to join.
