When West Ham United’s first-team squad returned for pre-season training – what is left of it anyway – Graham Potter will have found that he had only one senior centre-forward in the shape of Niclas Fullkrug.
Evan Ferguson was never going to sign on a permanent basis following that a loan spell that would almost make Marouane Chamakh’s feel eventful.
West Ham may have ‘wasted’ Danny Ings’ talents – at least, according to Frank McAvennie – but the experienced poacher didn’t exactly set the world alight when he did feature.
Michail Antonio hopes to bounce back stronger than ever after that horror car crash, meanwhile. But his attempted comeback will not take place on London Stadium turf.
So with Niclas Fullkrug the only senior striker in West Ham United’s squad right now – not including the versatile Jarrod Bowen, of course – the 2023 Conference League champions may feel that they are in a race against time as they look to bring in one, two, maybe even three number nines before the window closes.
West Ham approached Parma’s Ange-Yoan Bonny a few weeks back. But, like with many of the club’s other centre-forward targets, Inter Milan’s £20 million hitman had other plans in mind.
New Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny during SS Lazio v Parma - Serie A
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Ange-Yoan Bonny secures ‘dream’ Inter Milan transfer after West Ham United approach
One of the longest-running sagas of the summer has finally come to an end.
Inter Milan have completed the initial 23 million euro signing of Ange-Yoan Bonny. Thus, reuniting the France Under-21 international with his former Parma coach Christian Chivu. And, in the process, making his ‘dream’ into a reality.
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“It’s an emotional experience,” a breathless Bonny beams with the ink still drying on the five-year deal he signed at San Siro. “I’m really happy to be here. It’s a dream come true for me, and I still can’t quite believe it. I’m happy and can’t wait to get going.”
“Chivu gave me a lot in my last three months at Parma. He’s a great person who has helped me and shown faith in me.
“I’m happy to be playing under him again and to continue our development together.”
According to FC Inter News, Bonny ‘did not think twice’ when Premier League trio West Ham, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth entered the fray. A powerhouse 6ft 2ins centre-forward likened to a young Didier Drogba already had his sights firmly fixed on three-time European champions Inter Milan.
His patience would be rewarded, meanwhile, when Inter and Parma finally reached an agreement. Bonny again links up with Chivu – a treble winner under Jose Mourinho in 2010 – and helps fill a gap created by Marko Arnautovic’s San Siro departure.
Marko Arnautovic reacts during West Ham United v Southampton FC - Premier League
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West Ham cult hero Marko Arnautovic leaves Serie A giants
One of the more successful West Ham striker signings of the last decade, Mark Arnautovic leaves Inter Milan as a free agent.
Despite turning 36, however, one of the most well-travelled centre-forwards around has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet. Not with the 2026 World Cup only a year away.
Austria veteran Arnautovic has been linked with Saudi Arabian clubs and a menthol-meet-Pepsi-sounding switch to Partizan Belgrade.
Rapid Vienna ruled out signing the former Stoke City hero last month, however. Meaning Arnautovic’s career looks set to come to an end without him ever making a professional appearance for a team based in his homeland.