Monaco to pip West Ham to Denis Zakaria signing

AS Monaco have surged ahead of West Ham United in the race to secure the signature of Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria.

According to Ignazio Genuardi, the Principality club is closing in on a deal that could see Zakaria donning the red and white jersey in the upcoming Ligue 1 season.

The 26-year-old Swiss international had been on West Ham’s radar as a potential replacement for defensive midfielder Declan Rice,

Zakaria caught the attention of several top clubs in England and abroad following his loan spell at Chelsea last season. 

The Geneva-born midfielder is a colossal figure who can win the ball back with his overwhelming physicality before driving forward, muscling opponents out of his way.

Monaco have emerged as the favourites to land the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder ahead of West Ham, RC Lens, Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg.

A deal worth around €20 million is on the verge of being finalised, pending Zakaria’s approval. 

The ball lies firmly in the player’s court as he contemplates plying his trade in Ligue 1.

It remains unclear whether the Swiss international will be a partner or a replacement for the potentially departing Youssouf Fofana. 

The French midfielder had been linked with an exit from the club during this transfer window, but no concrete offers have been made.