West Ham United eye a January transfer for versatile Man City ace: The depth they need?

West Ham United will reportedly push to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake on loan in the January transfer window.

The Hammers have endured somewhat of a defensive injury crisis of late. Angelo Ogbonna has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after sustaining an ACL injury during the impressive 3-2 win over Liverpool in November.

Kurt Zouma, meanwhile, limped out of the 3-2 win over Chelsea on Saturday and Tuesday’s scans revealed he could be ruled out for at least a couple of months with a hamstring tendon damage.

According to The Sun, West Ham manager David Moyes wants to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Ake after being rocked by an injury crisis.

Nathan Ake, 26, has failed to establish himself in Manchester City starting XI since joining from Bournemouth last summer, with injuries and lack of game time stagnating his development at the Etihad Stadium.

The Dutch defender has made just 22 appearances for the Sky Blues so far under Pep Guardiola, including only five appearances in the Premier League this season, and a loan move in the upcoming window would provide him with an opportunity to revive his stuttering career.

Nathan Ake to West Ham – A smart defensive option for David Moyes?

David Moyes has suffered two body blows following long-term injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma. Plus, fellow defender Ben Johnson sustaining a low-grade hamstring strain last weekend has only deepened Moyes’ woes.

So with just two senior central defenders in Issa Diop and Craig Dawson available to him ahead of the busy fixture schedule, Moyes has to bring in a centre-back next month on priority. Thus, West Ham’s links with Nathan Ake make complete sense.

Ake has been starved of playing time at Manchester City but could walk straight into Moyes’ starting XI at West Ham. The 26-year-old was a crucial fixture at the back for Bournemouth, featuring 121 times for Bournemouth between 2016 and 2020 before leaving for the Sky Blues last year. This shows he has no shortage of top-flight experience and would immediately improve the quality of the Hammers’ backline.

The Netherlands international’s versatility to play at centre-back and left-back would appeal to Moyes. Plus, Ake, being a left-footed player with good pace and aerial ability, would add balance to West Ham’s defence and improve the depth of their squad.

A lack of opportunities at Manchester City and West Ham’s injury crisis could potentially convince Ake to join West Ham if they come calling for his services. If the Hammers can persuade Guardiola and City to allow the Dutchman to join for the rest of the season, it would represent a top signing for Moyes and co.