Seventeen days into the January transfer window, and West Ham are still no closer to finalising a deal for a striker.
Before fans go into meltdown, it’s worth remembering that the window doesn’t close until 3rd February. Most clubs haven’t concluded any business yet, with the last couple of weeks typically seeing most transfers finalised.
Having written about Rodrigo Muniz yesterday, Martin confirmed later in the day that Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, did not want to entertain any offers for the Brazilian squad player.
Similarly, Manchester United are reluctant to loan Marcus Rashford to another Premier League club.
Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is currently injured, though both Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro have returned to first-team action. This leaves a slim chance of a loan deal being concluded near the end of the window—subject to the player’s fitness.
Lille are playing a high-risk strategy, demanding a hefty transfer fee from interested clubs, which is scuppering any move for Canadian international Jonathan David. His agents are also making unrealistic demands. The player is reportedly happy to run down his contract and review other options in the summer, though West Ham’s rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, are allegedly in talks with his agents, Axia Sports.
Nice striker Evann Guessand, aged 23, has also been priced out of a move to West Ham. Reports suggest the French club are holding out for a fee of £20m.
Another name that has surfaced recently is Genk striker Tolu Arokodare. The Nigerian forward, standing at 6ft 6”, has been watched by West Ham. However, there are concerns as a similar player, Paul Onuachu, struggled in the Premier League, despite scoring at Genk and more recently Trabzonspor. Statistics show that most of Arokodare’s goals have come from 12 yards out, meaning his contributions outside the box need more work.
As of today, the most likely option is Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been plagued by injury problems in the past. Forest are chasing a Champions League place, with Chris Wood as their first choice. West Ham are only interested in a loan deal, whereas Forest want an outright transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy. However as more time passes, this deal looks less likely, as Forest would need to find a replacement for the player.
This leaves André Silva, who is keen to play in England. The Portuguese striker, aged 29, would be available on a loan-to-buy deal. Silva has a chequered past regarding injuries and arguably has little sell-on value.
We are told he is a “backup choice,” and West Ham fans will be pleased to hear that Graham Potter has made it clear he doesn’t want to be rushed into any decision—a cautious approach that has hindered West Ham in the past.
Rest assured, Claret and Hugh will keep you posted on any transfer developments, but the messages we’re hearing suggest the club are more likely to close any deals quite late in the window.
