To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

West Ham Eyeing Arsenal Flop For Summer Transfer

West Ham Eyeing Arsenal Flop For Summer Transfer

Is the former Gunner really the right man for the job?

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

You would think, given that money isn't much of an issue for West Ham United any more, that Slaven Bilic would be looking to remedy the defensive woes that have plagued his side this season by targeting a top class centre half, this Summer.

It would appear not.

Granted, even most Champions League teams struggle to cobble together genuinely world class defences nowadays as there is seemingly a worldwide dearth of genuine, top quality centre halves, yet even so, surely Hammers' boss Bilic could have identified a better target than the man he's currently being linked with.

According to German newspaper Bild, former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is on Bilic's shopping list, this Summer, with the Swiss international's contract with Hamburg set to expire.

Johan Djourou
Johan Djourou

Djourou in action during Hamburg's recent 8-0 mauling by Bayern Munich. You can take the player out of Arsenal... Image: PA

The 30-year-old spent almost 10 years with the Gunners, but failed to cement a regular place in Arsene Wenger's first team, being loaned out three times, to Birmingham City, Hannover 96 and Hamburg, respectively.

Now, three years after joining HSV permanently, Djourou could be set for a return to the Premier League, with West Ham desperate for defensive reinforcements after a dreadful second season under Bilic.

Slaven Bilic
Slaven Bilic

It's been a difficult second season in charge for Slaven Bilic. Image: PA

The Hammers enjoyed a fruitful first season under the Croatian's stewardship, but have struggled since moving to the City of London stadium, failing to advance past the qualification stage of the Europa League, losing last season's star player Dimitri Payet and meandering around lower-mid table for most of the campaign.

Bilic's men currently sit in 12th spot, having shipped 52 goals in 29 games, less than bottom of the table Sunderland (50) and second bottom Middlesbrough (33).

However, a 30-year-old Djourou, who is being deemed surplus to requirements at a Hamburg side enduring yet another relegation battle, is hardly the ideal candidate to plug the gaps in Bilic's leaky defence.

Johan Djourou
Johan Djourou

Could the former Gunners defender be set for a move back to London? Image: PA

Djourou, capped 65 times by Switzerland, has made just 14 starts for HSV, this season.

Hammers fans, is the former Gunner the right man for your defence or are you already nervous about next season?

Have your say in the comments section, below.

(H/T 101 Great Goals)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Slaven Bilic, West Ham United