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Manchester City and AC Milan stars are predicted to become West Ham transfer targets by AI.
That investment hasn't led to the upturn in form that was hoped for by supporters with an inconsistent start to the Premier League season. The Spaniard remains under pressure at West Ham with vultures circling over his position.
Back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Leicester City a few weeks ago saw sack talk reach fever pitch but victory over Wolves and a point against AFC Bournemouth has gone some way to quieting frustration. Should Lopetegui still be in the job come the New Year, all signs point to at least a couple of additions to the squad to right the wrongs seen so far this term.
The January window is a notoriously tricky time to invest given its arrival at the mid-point in the football season, with predictions for what deals might be pushed through hard to make. Nonetheless, rumours do circulate and LondonWorld asked AI programme ChatGPT to look into the future for West Ham.
West Ham predicted to make audacious Manchester City swoop
According to the AI, investing in a new forward is a priority for West Ham, and that's no surprise with the injury-ridden Niclas Fullkrug yet to get firing and Michail Antonio potentially out for 12 months following his car accident. Santiago Giménez is named as a 'possible signing to bolster West Ham's attack' with the programme praising his 'good form this season' amid a possible Hammers move for the Feyenoord man.
The AI adds that Giménez's value has increased this season due to his form - with a double figure goal tally already in all competitions - slapping a €40 million [£33 million] price tag on his head. It continues that West Ham could be willing to 'pay a premium' for the 23-year-old given that he could be a 'long-term solution' for the club.
Could Santiago Giménez be the answer to West Ham's goalscoring issues?Could Santiago Giménez be the answer to West Ham's goalscoring issues?
Could Santiago Giménez be the answer to West Ham's goalscoring issues? | ANP/AFP via Getty Images
AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has been linked with a move to Manchester City in recent weeks with the Champions struggling without Rodri. However, ChatGPT has tipped West Ham to make a move for the player.
It adds that the player's European experience has made him a target to several top clubs and that his importance to the AC Milan team would mean that any bid would have to be close to €25 million, or £21 million.
In defence, it's a name a little closer to home that AI could see West Ham swooping for in January. That comes in Manchester City man Manuel Akanji, which would be an ambitious transfer move from the London outfit. Akanji remains a key part of Pep Guardiola's system at the Etihad Stadium and is contracted at the club until 2027.
ChatGPT acknowledged that Manchester City are now looking to 'actively sell' the player but believes that a €45 million, or £37 million, bid from West Ham could tempt their Premier League rivals but admit any deal could be 'difficult'.
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West Ham could sell Vladimir Coufal and Michail Antonio
When it comes to outgoings, it's unsurprising to see which players AI thinks could move on from the London Stadium. One of those is full-back Vladimir Coufal.
The experienced defender has hinted at seeking a new venture before the end of his contract next summer with frustrations over the playing time afforded to him under Lopetegui. Summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka continues to be preferred in that position.
When asked which clubs could look at a move for Coufal, it replied with mid-table outfits. In particular, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are named as outfits which would be strengthened by the Czech Republic international with an £8 million fee touted.
ChatGPT also raises question marks over the future of Antonio with the club supposedly looking at bringing in a new forward. The Jamaica international has been linked with a move away in recent windows but his recent accident has prompted talk of a goodwill contract extension offer from the Hammers.
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