West Ham Lining Up Move For Manchester City Star Before Deadline Day

West Ham United are preparing a move for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as a replacement for Alphonse Areola.

Incumbent keeper Areola has regained some of his old form this season, but doubts over his future mean West Ham are pursuing a new signing.

Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky has been linked to West Ham, with personal terms agreed.

But any deal would rely on Spurs finding a replacement, complicating negotiations.

There has been talk of a swap deal, with Mads Hermansen moving on the other direction.

But with Areola’s future uncertain, Irons boss Nuno Espirito Santo may have to bring in two new keepers.

As a result, Manchester City’s Ortega has been mooted as a possible solution.

West Ham Line Up Move For Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega

According to reports, West Ham are preparing a move for Ortega before the transfer deadline.

The 33-year-old German has made 56 appearances for Manchester City, but has not featured this season.

An able backup, Ortega has been second-choice throughout his City career.

Pep Guardiola: “In the one-vs-ones, Stefan Ortega is one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever seen in my life”. pic.twitter.com/jhj2a5sUFw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2024

But the arrivals of James Trafford and GIanluigi Donnarumma have pushed him down to third in the pecking order.

Ortega is therefore actively pursuing a move elsewhere, with West Ham among the candidates.

However, Ortega’s £90k per week salary may be an issue, West Ham’s wages are already bloated, and the risk of relegation means they cannot afford to overspend.

Antonin Kinsky therefore remains the number one choice for the Irons.

But if they fail to secure their man from Tottenham, Ortega will almost certainly join.

Alphonse Areola Uncertainty Forcing West Ham To Act

It would be harsh on West Ham to lose their number one keeper this month.

Areola has looked like his old self in recent games, and out in a stellar performance in last month’s victory against Tottenham.

But the 32-year-old Frenchman’s contract is entering its final year, and West Ham will not want to lose him for free.

As such, the club must be realistic in considering any suitable offers that come in for him.

Understand Besiktas are exploring a deal to sign Alphonse #Areola before Deadline Day.

The 32 y/o is under contract with West Ham until 2027.@SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/kWUsj9KP38

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 28, 2026

If Areola does not wish to sign a new deal, selling him will become an inevitable business decision.

As for Ortega, there are some concerns over his lack of playing time.

But having played a big role in City’s 2023-24 title-winning campaign, he has shown his pedigree at the highest level.

It would make little sense for West Ham to bring Ortega to the London Stadium unless Areola leaves.

But if they do lose their number one shot-stopper, then Ortega is a ready-made replacements with plenty of experience.

And with the Irons battling relegation, they need every bit of experience they can get.