West Ham United left-back Arthur Masuaku is nearing a loan move to Turkish giants Besiktas, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
The Lowdown: Kostic’s arrival
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are still working on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt left-midfielder Filip Kostic.
It is reported that the Irons’ initial £12.6m bid for the Serbia international was rejected, with the Bundesliga outfit looking for a fee closer to £16.8m.
Kostic is represented by the World Soccer Agency (WSA) - the same agency that looks after new Irons arrival Gianluca Scamacca.
With the 29-year-old’s agents pushing for a move to the London Stadium, this suggests Masuaku will fall further down David Moyes’ pecking order.
The Latest: Taylor’s claim
Whilst providing an update on West Ham’s pursuit of Kostic, Taylor also shared news on Masuaku’s future at the East London club.
Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:
“Expected to be case of one in, one out. Arthur Masuaku nearing departure with Besiktas in talks over loan move.”
The Verdict: Lack of game time
Having only made 13 appearances in the Premier League last season, with just six features in Moyes’ starting XI, the arrival of Kostic at the London Stadium would push the Democratic Republic of the Congo international down to their third-choice option at left-back, also trailing behind current starter Aaron Cresswell.
However, a loan switch to Besiktas would certainly be a good move for both the player and the Turkish side.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 28-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 98th percentile for expected assists and in the 96th percentile for interceptions.
Once hailed as ‘the thinking man's Ronaldinho’ by FourFourTwo journalist Mark White for his iconic piece of skill against Tottenham, a loan move away would be the best option for Masuaku's career.