West Ham are planning a move for Lopetegui's Rodri

West Ham United manager, Julen Lopetegui, is working hard to build a team that could return to European competition next season.

So far, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme have joined the club, while a deal is reportedly close for Leeds United winner Crysencio Summerville.

Lopetegui is also chasing another centre-forward, with Borussia Dortmund's Niclas Füllkrug closing in on a move to London after the club agreed a £27m fee with the player's German club.

Slowly, but surely, a squad that could return to the European spots in time for the 2024/25 campaign is being built.

West Ham United close by winning the World Cup

It's not just his attacking style that Lopetegui is looking to strengthen, with a move for Argentina's World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez looming.

This is according to Standard, who claim that the Irons are in advanced talks with the Real Betis midfielder, who is currently free after leaving the La Liga club at the end of his contract.

The 30-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the club, and could be a perfect fit for Lopetegui, especially on a free transfer.

Could the Spaniard find Rodriguez the perfect midfield partner? As he pursues the two-time Champions League winning midfielder…

West Ham United are looking to sign the former Barcelona midfielder

According to Pete O'Rourke, speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast (via Football Insider), West Ham are considering a move for former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto.

Having left the Catalan giants following the end of his contract, Lopetegui will be able to sign him in a move similar to Rodriguez's. Given his experience at the highest level, he could be a valuable addition to the team.

Roberto and Rodriguez could form a good partnership at the heart of the midfielder as West Ham chase a top eight finish next season.

Sergi Roberto and Guido Rodriguez partnership

Rodriguez usually operates as a defensive midfielder, making 29 appearances in that position for Real Betis last season.

He showed his defensive prowess in Spain's top flight last term, winning 4.9 duels per game – a success rate of 60% – while making 2.2 tackles and conceding 6.5 balls per game during the 2023/24 campaign.

Compared to his peers in Europe's top five teams, Rodriguez ranks in the top 13% in clearances per 90 (1.49) and in the top 12% in clearances per 90 (2.05), yet further evidence of his defensive abilities.

Roberto, on the other hand, tends to get a bit more forward than Rodriguez, and made 24 appearances for Barcelona last term, registering six goals – three goals and three assists – in the process.

During his 14 La Liga appearances, Roberto created one big chance, was successful with 75% of his dribbles, an average of 0.6 key passes per game and finished the season with a 90% success rate, not bad considering that he only had 62 minutes per game.

Despite this lack of game time at home, he still shines compared to his peers. Indeed, across Europe's top five leagues, Roberto ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.25), top 5% for assists (0.25) and top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.22) per 90, showing his attacking skills come from the heart of a midfielder.

These statistics clearly show that Rodriguez and Roberto can form a strong partnership between West Ham, providing defensive and attacking skills to complement each other well.

Not only that, but the Spaniard looks like the current Manchester City star who was the player of the tournament at Euro 2024…

Why Sergi Roberto could be West Ham's Rodri

Rodri stood out for Spain as they won their first major international tournament since 2012, finishing the tournament with an impressive 93% pass completion rate while securing 6.8 balls per game and winning 5.2 duels per game.

He was the beating heart of this great Spanish side and if Lopetegui can sign a player like him, West Ham will be all the better for it.

According to FBref, Rodri is the seventh player compared to Roberto, meaning the club could sign their own City gem if a deal is struck for the 32-year-old this summer.

Last season, the pair registered identical domestic statistics in terms of shots per 90 (1.05 vs 1.9), success percentage (89% vs 92%), successful takedown percentage (50% vs 65.6%) and actions to create each goal. 90 (0.31 vs 0.71), evidence of their similarity in the previous term.

Although he may not be in his prime, Roberto – described as “extraordinary” by former Barca manager Xavi – will bring a wealth of big-game experience to this West Ham squad.

Throughout his career, the Spaniard has won seven La Liga titles and two Champions League titles, proving he has what it takes to shine at the biggest stage.

In total, Roberto has made 373 appearances for his youth club since his debut in the 2010/11 campaign, scoring 12 goals while grabbing 34 assists in the process.

It would certainly make a big statement of intent if they were to bring the former Spain international to London in the next few weeks, showing that Lopetegui means business in the transfer market.

If deals can be made to bring him and Rodriguez to the club, the midfield will be greatly strengthened heading into the new season.

If the pair hit the ground running, completing the signings of both without spending a penny could seem like a sensible move for the former Wolves boss.

Time will tell though, but the signs look good for West Ham heading into the new season.