Angelo Ogbonna reiterates desire to stay at West Ham as defender nears end of contract

Angelo Ogbonna has once again reiterated his desire to stay at West Ham beyond the summer.

The defender’s contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of this month, with the 35-year-old yet to agree a new deal with the club despite making it clear he wants to extend his stay.

Ogbonna started in five of West Ham’s final six Premier League games of the season, and was heavily involved in the early stages of the Hammers’ run to the Europa Conference League final.

David Moyes’ side face Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday night in their first European final in 47 years, looking to lift a trophy that would secure their place in next season’s Europa League.

Attention will then turn to the club’s transfer plans, with captain Declan Rice expected to leave as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United all consider big-money moves for the midfielder.

While Rice is believed to be keen on a move to a side in the Champions League, Ogbonna has told West Ham that he wants to sign a new deal, eight years after he signed for the club.

“My desire has always been to stay,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The club is aware of it and we’re talking about it. We’re just waiting for the end of the season to define things.

“I look forward to staying, and West Ham know the respect I have for the club and the fans and all I’ve given over the years we’ve been together.”