One attacker in particular could snub a move to West Ham United this summer, in yet another big twist.
West Ham have been linked with plenty of players already this summer, but as things stand, Julen Lopetegui still hasn’t actually made a signing at the London Stadium.
Tim Steidten has been out in Brazil scouting potential new signings for Lopetegui, and it seems like the German has somewhat of an addiction to the samba boys.
Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme seems to be the Hammers’ main target, and a recent report boldly claimed that the 18-year-old is set to undergo his medical ahead of a move to West Ham TODAY.
That transfer saga has had more twists and turns than the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, but hopefully it will get wrapped up in the end.
The problem that Lopetegui faces this summer is that he has to make so many new signings, if he’s to oversee some genuine progress at the London Stadium.
The addition of a top-class centre-forward arguably should be the West Ham manager’s main priority this summer.
And there’s some bad news for the Hammers regarding Lopetegui’s attempts to strengthen his forward line…
Attacker could snub West Ham move
The Hammers appear to be frantically trying to bolster their ranks before the pre-season campaign kicks off next month.
Whether we manage to get a deal done for Guilherme remains to be seen, but there’s another transfer in the pipeline that seems a long way off right now.
Braga striker Simon Banza is reportedly viewed as the perfect Michail Antonio replacement by Lopetegui.
The 27-year-old was in fine form out in Portugal this season just gone, and he seems to be ideally suited to Lopetegui’s system, what with his incredible work ethic, energy and finishing ability.
However, there’s some bad news for the Hammers.
That’s because O Jogo (print edition June 8th, page 14) are claiming that Banza has no issues rejecting a move to West Ham in favour of a more lucrative move to the United Arab Emirates.
Really, if he is willing to miss out on the chance of playing Premier League football in order to move out to the UAE, then good luck to him, but good riddance is what I say.
It’s such a shame though, because he’d be a great signing for the Hammers.
Banza possesses blistering pace, and always relishes the physical battle with opposing defenders.
The 27-year-old striker bagged 23 goals and five assists in 41 games for Braga this season just gone (Transfermarkt).
There’s no doubt in my mind that he’d be a big upgrade on Antonio, but it looks like he won’t be moving to the London Stadium this summer.
It the Braga attacker does indeed snub a move to West Ham, then it’s his loss as far as I’m concerned. Lopetegui should concentrate on signing Youssef En-Nesyri, Dominic Solanke or Tammy Abraham instead.
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