West Ham are close to completing the transfer to sign Maxwel Cornet from Burnley for £17.5 million, according to Fabrice Hawkins. The 25-year-old will sign a five-year contract with the club.
West Ham have been keen on the versatile Ivorian for quality and depth. It looks like they will get their man ahead of the upcoming campaign after activating his release clause from the relegated club.
David Moyes has been looking for another left-back to compete with Aaron Cresswell, especially after Arthur Masuaku joined Besiktas.
The Hammers tried for Filip Kostic of Eintracht Frankfurt, but he did not want to join. Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman settled on Cornet, who joined the Premier League one year ago for €15 million.
The former Lyon man was relegated with the Clarets last season but still finished as the club’s top scorer with nine goals. Cornet attracted offers from Nottingham Forest, Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United but will join the East London club.
New manager Vincent Kompany left Cornet out of the squad for Burnley’s season opener against Huddersfield Town. The player has now had his medical and will become a Hammer.
Cornet will be the club’s fifth summer signing after sealing deals for Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, and Alphonse Areola.
However, Armando Broja will stay on at Chelsea after the Hammers made a £30 million bid for the player. West Ham also look set to miss out on Amadou Onana to Everton. The Toffees have hijacked a deal for the Lille midfielder.
