West Ham United are actively exploring a double loan swoop to bolster their defensive options, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo targeting Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi. However, the club faces a significant logistical hurdle, as securing both players on temporary deals would likely require sending current loanee Igor Julio back to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Defensive Reinforcements Sought in Relegation Battle
Nuno Espírito Santo has already moved to strengthen West Ham's attack this window, completing signings worth up to £47 million for Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe. The manager's focus has now shifted decisively towards shoring up a defence that has struggled immensely, failing to record a single clean sheet since August. The potential acquisitions of Kinsky and Disasi are viewed as critical moves in the club's battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Complications Surrounding the Proposed Loan Deals
The pursuit of both Kinsky and Disasi is complicated by Premier League regulations, which limit clubs to just two domestic loan slots within a single season. West Ham currently have one of these slots occupied by defender Igor Julio, who arrived from Brighton last summer but has featured only sporadically. To free up the necessary space, the Hammers would need to negotiate an early termination of Julio's loan agreement with Brighton.
Further complexity arises from the players' individual situations. Antonin Kinsky, the 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper who joined Spurs from Slavia Prague, is understood to be seeking regular first-team football. It remains uncertain whether he would be willing to move to West Ham if he is not guaranteed to dislodge current number one Alphonse Areola. Kinsky currently serves as backup to Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham and may prefer to stay put unless assured of a starting role.
Meanwhile, Axel Disasi has been deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea this season and is officially available for transfer. A loan move could offer the French defender a chance to regain match fitness and form, while providing West Ham with a much-needed defensive boost.
Additional Squad Movements at the London Stadium
West Ham's January business is not limited to defensive recruits. The club have already agreed a deal to sign winger Adama Traoré from Fulham, reuniting the player with manager Nuno, under whom he previously played at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Traoré is expected to provide cover and competition for Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the flanks.
In a separate outgoing move, West Ham are reportedly close to finalising the sale of midfielder Lucas Paquetá to Brazilian side Flamengo, which would free up further funds and squad space.
Bournemouth Secure Major Signing of Brazilian Teenager
In other Premier League transfer news, AFC Bournemouth have completed a significant deal to sign 19-year-old Brazilian forward Rayan from Vasco da Gama. The transfer is reported to be worth an initial £24.7 million, with potential add-ons taking the total fee to over £30 million. Rayan has signed a long-term five-year contract with the south-coast club.
The teenager enjoyed a prolific season in Brazil, scoring 20 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions for Vasco da Gama. He has also represented Brazil at Under-20 level, finding the net twice. Upon completing his move, Rayan expressed his delight, stating his honour at joining a club with a strong reputation for developing young talent and his hope to bring joy to the Bournemouth supporters.
As the January transfer window reaches its climax, West Ham's attempts to navigate the loan market regulations will be a key storyline, with their defensive frailties making the potential arrivals of Kinsky and Disasi a pressing priority for Nuno Espírito Santo.
