West Ham must hurry as Atalanta try to hijack £21m move for Kevin Danso

Atalanta are advancing in talks to sign West Ham United target Kevin Danso, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Hammers could miss out on the Austrian centre-back.

The RC Lens central defender is available for around €25 million, and several clubs are circling for his signature, including West Ham. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Napoli also have him on their list of targets.

However, Atalanta are in pole position to sign Danso. La Dea have been working hard to get a deal over the line.

The Europa League champions want to reinforce their rearguard this summer after losing Giorgio Scalvini to a long-term injury. They have already signed Ben Godfrey and are keen on adding another centre-half, hence the move for Danso.

Meanwhile, West Ham are looking to improve a defence that shipped 74 goals in 38 Premier League games last term and also have the former Southampton star on their radar.

For the past three years, Danso has been one of the standout defenders in Ligue 1. He fills in at the centre of Lens’ back three.

The 25-year-old helped Lens keep 12 clean sheets in 30 Ligue 1 outings.  Only four teams conceded fewer goals than Lens in the French top flight.

Danso is a formidable force, winning 67% of his aerial and 63% of his ground duels while maintaining an 88% passing accuracy.

He is physically dominant but combines his athletic features with superb quality on the ball, registering 4.19 progressive passes and 0.88 progressive carries per game.

He can be the perfect partner for Max Kilman under manager Julen Lopetegui, with the Hammers looking to play a more expansive brand of football under the Spaniard.

West Ham must act swiftly

With the clock ticking and Atalanta seemingly in pole position, West Ham find themselves in a precarious situation.

Having already missed out on Jake O’Brien, who is on his way to Everton, the Hammers cannot afford to let another defensive target slip through their fingers.

Danso’s profile perfectly aligns with the club’s ambitions, and his addition would significantly bolster their backline. The East London club must show their intent to secure the Austrian’s signature.

Delaying tactics could prove fatal as Atalanta look increasingly likely to seal the deal.

If West Ham are serious about challenging for European places next season, they need to strengthen their defensive foundations, and Danso is the ideal candidate.