Wolves are reportedly in talks to sign West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell.
The former three-cap England international is understood to be keen on moving to Molineux, with West Ham already looking for potential options to replace the player. And it is believed that the Hammers could make a bid for Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.
According to The Athletic, Wolves are in discussion with West Ham over a £5m deal for Aaron Cresswell.
Cresswell, 33, joined West Ham from Ipswich Town for £3.75million in 2014, which makes him their longest-serving player. He has been a loyal servant to the Irons, making over 330 appearances so far. However, the left-back has entered the final year of his contract at the London Stadium and West Ham have decided to cash in on him with Wolves interested.
The Wanderers are exploring options for Rayan Ait-Nouri after he started just nine Premier League games last season. The report adds they would be willing to loan out Ait-Nouri to make space in Julen Lopetegui’s squad for Cresswell.
Aaron Cresswell to Wolves—Decent signing?
Wolves have recently re-signed free agent Matt Doherty on a three-year contract, as the Republic of Ireland returns to Molineux after three years having struggled to settle at Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. Doherty’s signing on a free transfer is a smart move from Wolves as he will add strength in depth to the full-back area.
Yet, it looks like Julen Lopetegui is not fully convinced with his full-back options ahead of the new season and wants to sign Aaron Cresswell from West Ham. Cresswell is a highly experienced, Premier League-proven commodity who has served West Ham well since 2014, registering ten goals and 37 assists in 331 appearances. After donning the West Ham colours for nine years, he is looking for a new adventure and should find one with Wolves.
Even at 33, the ex-England international could still be a capable option in the Premier League. A left-back by trade, Cresswell is equally competent playing as a left wing-back or on the left of a back three, and such versatility would only add value to Lopetegui’s Wolves squad. Having flirted with relegation last season, Lopetegui would like to have a few experienced players at his disposal that’ll help Wolves challenge for a top-half finish next season.
Cresswell fits the bill perfectly, and having helped West Ham triumph in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina last season, he’ll potentially arrive at Wolves with a mentality to win again. For a player with invaluable top-flight experience and the ability to still contribute at the highest level, Wolves signing Cresswell from West Ham for £5m represents a shrewd piece of business.
