West Ham have improved their defensive options this summer with the additions of central defender Issa Diop and right-back Ryan Fredericks while goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was also signed last month. The Hammers have since been linked with a move for a midfielder and Jack Wilshere's name has come up. However, according to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham have made a sensational move for Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic and the 24-year-old could take the east London club to the next level.

The Breakdown

Having strengthened their defence, West Ham and manager Manuel Pellegrini are now looking to make improvements to the squad's midfield. According to Sky Sports, both Jean-Michael Seri and Jack Wilshere have been looked at as potential reinforcements for the middle of the park.

Now, though, it appears Kovacic has been lined up by the Hammers in a very ambitious move. The Real Madrid midfielder recently gave an interview (via Marca) stating he would be looking for a transfer away from the Bernabeu this summer after becoming frustrated over a lack of playing time.

Undoubtedly, £27m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Kovacic would be an amazing signing and an absolute coup for West Ham in every single aspect. The Croatia international well exceeds the calibre of player the West Ham hierarchy promised to fans after the club's move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.

That being said, Kovacic's availability is likely to alert some of Europe's biggest clubs, who will all likely possess the means to easily see off competition from West Ham.

While the signing of Kovacic would be a game changer for West Ham, the club may be better off not wasting their time and start looking at more realistic targets, especially if the former Inter Milan man starts to attract interest from other top European sides.