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West Ham United are considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo as they assess options to strengthen their midfield before the transfer deadline, according to ExWHUEmployee. The East London club’s recruitment team are preparing for possible departures in central midfield, as both Edson Alvarez and Soungoutou Magassa have attracted significant interest from clubs across Europe. If either player leaves before the window closes, West Ham’s hierarchy are determined to move quickly for a direct replacement, ensuring the squad is not left short for the season ahead. Essugo is a candidate under consideration at London Stadium. The 21-year-old Portuguese defensive midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Sporting CP, possesses the physicality, ball-winning skills, and defensive awareness to fit Nuno Espirito Santo’s style. Given fierce competition for places at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea may be open to a permanent deal or a structured loan with an option to buy, allowing Essugo to secure regular first-team football. However, Essugo is not West Ham’s only target. The Hammers are also monitoring Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa as an alternative. Deossa offers a more dynamic, box-to-box profile compared to Essugo’s defensive anchoring, providing flexibility depending on which current midfielder departs. With internal discussions ongoing and contingency plans in place, West Ham’s pursuit of Essugo will depend on how quickly the situations with Alvarez and Magassa are resolved. If a departure is finalised, the Hammers are poised to open formal talks with Chelsea to bring the Portuguese midfielder to East London.