West Ham United are seemingly in the race to sign a top-class striker in the summer transfer window.
Julen Lopetegui knows full well just how much work he needs to do on his West Ham squad this summer, but he needs to sign a proven striker more than anything else.
The Spaniard is keen to bring at least six new signings to the London Stadium, and the addition of a new centre-forward is said to be one of his main priorities.
Michail Antonio has been brilliant for the Hammers, but now is the time for Lopetegui to make a big upgrade on the Jamaica international.
The West Ham boss cannot afford to make the same mistake that his predecessor David Moyes made by signing a striker who doesn’t suit his system.
Lopetegui needs a hard-working centre-forward who’s willing to run the channels – someone who’s physically strong, quick, dominant in the air and is of course a good finisher.
Strikers like that are understandably hard to find, certainly not for a reasonable price anyway.
Now though, it seems like the Hammers have the chance to bring an elite forward to the London Stadium for a real bargain fee…
West Ham move into position to sign striker Simon Banza
According to a report from O Jogo, the Hammers are ‘specifically’ interested in signing Simon Banza this summer.
And what’s more, the Portuguese publication claim that Braga are willing to sell him for just half of his £34 million release clause – only £17 million!
What an incredible bargain that would be for West Ham.
Banza was in sensational form out in Portugal last season, and he’d be the perfect long-term replacement for Antonio.
The 27-year-old bagged 21 goals in 28 league games for Braga last season – second only to Viktor Gyokeres in the Primeira Liga goalscoring charts.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, He is an absolute unit, and thrives when mixing it up physically with opposing centre-backs.
The DR Congo international is absolutely rapid, and possesses the kind of work ethic that will help him thrive in Lopetegui’s system.
He’s obviously a very good finisher as well, as his goalscoring record proves.
If West Ham do sign Braga striker Simon Banza this summer for just £17 million, I think it will be a great deal for the club.
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