West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has to sign a top-class striker in the summer transfer window.
There really are no two ways about that.
Julen Lopetegui cannot afford to head into the new season with Michail Antonio as his number one centre-forward, as good as the Jamaican has been for West Ham over the past nine years.
The 34-year-old has regressed badly over the past year, and the addition of a top-class striker is an absolute must.
Names likes Youssef En-Nesyri have been linked with a move to the London Stadium this summer, whilst Braga forward Simon Banza is also believed to be a transfer target for Lopetegui.
However, another striker closer to home is on our radar as well…
Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten eye West Ham striker swoop
Having already signed Luis Guilherme, the Hammers are now prioritising a move to sign a centre-forward.
Steidten is searching the length and breadth of the globe for players to come in and play in Lopetegui’s system.
The Hammers director of football is now in his home country of Germany casting his eye over the Euros.
There are plenty of top-class players competing at EURO 2024 who are thought to be on the West Ham radar.
However, one player who the Hammers are believed to be chasing isn’t taking part in the Euros this summer.
The Premier League forward has been a target of ours for quite some time now, but the Hammers owners will have to spend some serious cash if Lopetegui wants to sign him.
According to a report from talkSPORT, Arsenal are asking for £50 million for Eddie Nketiah this summer.
The Hammers are keen to bring the 25-year-old to the London Stadium, after failing to sign him in January.
Now, I would take Nketiah at West Ham all day long…but not for £50 million! In fact, I’m not even sure if he’s worth half that amount.
The Arsenal striker possesses decent pace and movement, and is well-known for being a very good finisher.
However, he just hasn’t produced the goods on a consistent basis in the Premier League. I think Julen Lopetegui should avoid a move to bring Nketiah to West Ham this summer, unless Arsenal seriously lower their demands.
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