To make sure that Julen Lopetegui and his team start their tenure on a high note, West Ham United is looking to add a new centre forward to their roster over the next few months. Journalist Ben Jacobs, in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, mentioned Callum Wilson as a less expensive and possibly more practical option than Jhon Duran.
Giving his team the best chance to qualify for Europe the following season will be the Spanish tactician’s top priority. The former Real Madrid manager will be looking to address the issue that forced former manager David Moyes to play right-winger Jarrod Bowen through the middle for the majority of 2023–2024.
Duran, a 10-cap Colombian international, has become the Hammers’ main centre forward target, according to Sky Sports writer Dharmesh Sheth, who also hinted that they could expect to make a move for the player eventually.
Recently, Chelsea was also keeping an eye on the wanted striker; however, a transfer to Stamford Bridge fell through because the Blues refused to pay the £40 million Villa are demanding.
Speaking only to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs hinted that West Ham may be interested in Duran, but he insisted that the London Stadium’s management thought Unai Emery and company’s asking price was “too high.”
The football transfer expert stated that, as a result, his West Ham sources are downplaying any possibility that Lopetegui will close a deal. Wilson, who was named the Premier League’s “deadliest” striker at the end of October 2023, and Lille’s Jonathan David are mentioned as possible substitutes. Jacobs disclosed:
In addition to making sure their centre forward ranks are strengthened this summer, West Ham is searching to boost their defence line with more players due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd.
Maximilian Kilman’s services were recently obtained for £40 million, but the always dependable Fabrizio Romano previously stated in an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT that signing Jean-Clair Todibo was “the dream,” with the capital club maybe wanting to add another center-back.
Todibo’s Ligue 1 team rejected West Ham’s initial offer of £25 million. It is unclear if West Ham would be open to reopening talks for a player worth £40 million, given that they have already spent the same amount on a player this summer.
