West Ham have expressed an interest in 19-year-old Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca, as they look to the future following the exit of Declan Rice, according to the Daily Mail.
France has been targetted by a number of Premier League clubs this summer including Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace, while West Ham have expressed an interest according to reports. The Brazilian looks set for a move to England this summer.
The Daily Mail also report [01 July, pg 105] that talks over payment structure are almost finalised between the Hammers and Arsenal, as Declan Rice gets ever closer to a move to North London.
West Ham’s interest in Franca comes after the club appointed Tim Steidten as their new technical director, the man who is credited with bringing Kevin de Bruyne to England, so Hammers fans can have faith in the moves the club make this summer.
If you can fend off competitors, get him in
Franca is just 19 years old and yet has attracted interest from across Europe due to the level of his performances in Brazil. Playing 17 times in Brazil’s Serie A last season, and eight so far this season, Franca is clearly trusted to perform in a team with high expectations.
In fact, the attacking midfielder has performed so well for his club that Spanish giants Real Madrid have been following his progress since he was 17, with links to him circulating as recently as April.
Links to a teenage Brazilian star are always guaranteed to excite fans, bringing to mind superstar names like Neymar, Madrid pair Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, and even current West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta who has dazzled fans with his tricks and skills during his time in London.
If West Ham can fend off interest from Madrid and their Premier League rivals, this would be a fantastic addition to the squad, with a clear view to the future being established.
