West Ham United and Leeds United are interested in a move for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra this summer. 

It is far from a secret that West Ham want to bring in at least a couple of midfielders this summer, it has been clear all season that the centre of the park is our weakest position and Graham Potter wants to change that.

So far, we’ve been linked with Club Brugge duo Ardon Jashiri and Raphael Onyedika who seem to be the preferred options for Potter. However, if we cant get both or either of those Habib Diarra would be an option.

According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers have ‘genuine interest’ in bringing Habib Diarra to East London, however, they face strong competition from newly promoted Leeds United.

The Yorkshire club are believed to be currently leading the race for the 21-year-old, reports that the Hammers have contacted the players representatives saying they would trump any offers from other clubs to sign him are completely untrue, however.

Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brighton and Everton are all said to be in the running for the signing of Diarra. The Senegal International reportedly prefers a switch to London if he was to leave Strasbourg this summer.

Diarra had an excellent season in 24/25, he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assist in 30 Ligue 1 matches, playing half of them in central midfield and the other half in a more attacking role. This would make him great in both a midfield three and midfield two, which Potter likes to alternate between.

Another thing that would make Diarra a great addition to the West Ham squad is his leadership. Despite being only 21, Diarra captained Strasbourg to a seventh place finish this season. The Hammers squad will be lacking leaders after some big departures this summer, so to bring more in would be a bonus.