‘Incredible’ £15m defender has decided against joining West Ham this summer despite holding talks

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

A defender who West Ham United have held talks with this summer has now decided to choose a move to Saudi Arabia over east London.

Since Julen Lopetegui’s arrival, it’s become clear that West Ham will undergo something of a defensive rebuild this summer.

TBR recently shared that both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd were free to leave the club for the right price.

And if they do depart, it seems as if Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Max Kilman and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo are at the top of the club’s shortlist as replacements.

That being said, West Ham also appear to be in the market for a left-sided defender, someone who can compete with Emerson Palmieri for a starting spot.

And to that end, TBR Football understands that versatile Belgian defender Arthur Theate has decided against a move to West Ham.

TBR can confirm that the Hammes held talks about signing Theate recently, negotiations that will ultimately be in vain.

As well as West Ham, Premier League heavy-hitters Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United were all monitoring the situation, being informed along with the likes of Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen.

Arthur Theate has decided on Saudi move despite talks with West Ham

24-year-old Theate has shunned interest from England and is closing in on a move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ittihad, who have opted to appoint former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli as their new head coach, have agreed terms worth around £15m for Theatre.

The Belgian, who currently plays his football for Stade Rennais, made three appearances at Euro 2024, all coming at left-back.

Although not thought to be interested this time around, Liverpool were previously said to be considering a move for Theate last summer.

And at that time, Rennes’ sporting director Florian Maruice lauded the Belgian for his ‘incredible energy’.

“[Theate] likes to defend and he likes challenges. He has a natural aggressiveness and an incredible energy.”

Perhaps one that got away for West Ham, who seemingly do have plenty of alternatives to consider.

And it was recently reported that Tim Steidten was interested in a surprise move for Sergio Reguilon, who is free to leave rivals Tottenham Hotspur.