Of all the clubs in the Premier League, the atmosphere around West Ham United is probably the worst at present.

Graham Potter was already under pressure coming into the campaign, and following back-to-back losses to Sunderland and Chelsea, he feels likely to be the first manager sacked this season.

However, with the transfer window still open, there is always a chance that the Hammers could make the right additions to turn things around and make this a season to remember.

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the London Stadium in recent weeks has been Mateus Fernandes, but if recent reports are to be believed, the Irons are now going after another midfield maestro, someone who’d be a significant upgrade.

West Ham target Fernandes upgrade

While West Ham have been linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, Fernandes has undoubtedly been the most consistent.

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In fact, if reports are to be believed, the club have already made two separate offers for the Portuguese ace, whom Southampton value in excess of £50m.

The 21-year-old would certainly add some quality to Potter’s squad this season, but it now looks like the club have identified another midfield target, someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from L’Équipe, which has claimed that West Ham are interested in Adrien Rabiot.

More than that, the report has revealed that the Irons are among the few clubs that have already sent offers for the Marseille ace.

It’s unclear how much the £105k-per-week star would cost the club, but considering he’s been put up for transfer following an incident with the recently sold Jonathan Rowe, we can’t imagine the French giants would demand too much of a fee.

Moreover, given Rabiot’s immense ability and experience, he’s someone West Ham should be doing all they can to sign, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Fernandes.

How Rabiot compares to Fernandes

It wouldn’t be hyperbole to suggest that West Ham are currently going through something of a mini crisis, and to help them get through it, they need players with plenty of quality experience.

This is the first advantage Rabiot has over Fernandes, as across his career to date, he has made 227 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, 212 for Juventus, 32 for Marseille, 13 for Toulouse and 53 France.

In stark contrast, the Southampton ace has made 46 for the South Coast side, 35 for Estoril and ten for Sporting CP, which isn’t a bad CV, but it’s not exactly an inspiring one either.

Moreover, the Irons need a midfielder who will make some profound attacking contributions this season, and when we compare their output from last year, there is only one winner.

For example, in 31 appearances, totalling 2636 minutes, the “world-class” 30-year-old, as dubbed by David Trezeguet, scored ten goals and provided six assists.

Appearances

31

42

Minutes

2636′

3365′

Goals

10

3

Assists

6

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.21

Minutes per Goal Involvement

164.75′

373.88′

In other words, he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.93 games, or every 164.75 minutes for the French giants.

For his part, the Saints’ dynamic midfielder was only able to score three goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3365 minutes last term.

That means that the Olhão-born gem maintained a decent, but less impressive, average of a goal involvement every 4.66 games, or every 373.88 minutes.

Ultimately, while Fernandes would likely be a good signing for West Ham, Rabiot is far more experienced, is far more of a creator and goal threat, and most importantly, has bundles of experience.

Therefore, given the precarious position the club find themselves in at present, the Frenchman would be the far better signing this summer.