In a striking example of the Premier League’s financial muscle, West Ham United appear to have the advantage in the race for a midfielder seven-time European Champions AC Milan are struggling to afford.
While the Hammers look likely to miss out on Ardon Jashari – Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen are now in the mix with the Switzerland international not keen on joining a club outside of Europe’s bonafide elite – Graham Potter and co could have a lot more going for them in pursuit of his Club Brugge team-mate.
Raphael Onyedika is a leading target for West Ham this summer.
The Londoners plan to ‘reinvent’ Graham Potter’s squad with young, hungry and affordable players. Onyedika, a 24-year-old Nigeria international still yet to hit his peak, certainly fits the bill.
He is also the kind of athletic, all-action central midfielder capable of adding some much-needed thrust to a leaky engine room. The antithesis, perhaps, to a one-paced triumvirate of Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
West Ham United made contact with Club Brugge earlier this week, a source speaking on behalf of the CAA Stellar agency tells Africa Foot.
What’s more, with personal terms expected to be agreed pretty easily, the considerable riches of English football has the Hammers in pole position.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
West Ham have advantage over AC Milan in Raphael Onyedika race
AC Milan are big fans of Onyedika too, pursuing the former Midtyjlland man despite the fact their last big money signing from Club Brugge – Charles de Ketelaere – flopped spectacularly at the San Siro.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
However, as that agency source explains, the Rossoneri are in no rush to stump up the £20 million fee required for a footballer with his sights fixed on the Premier League.
“West Ham made contact with Club Bruges on Tuesday and are ready to begin talks,” explains a representative of the CAA Stellar agency. The very same which represents the likes of Liam Delap, Eduardo Camavinga, Jack Grealish, Kobbie Mainoo and Omar Marmoush.
“[Club Brugge] are willing to sell for the right price. AC Milan were the first to approach, but are unlikely to match the 24 million euro valuation.
“Personal terms with Raphael should not be an issue, as the player is keen to play in the Premier League.”
West Ham turn to Club Brugge ace as Declan Rice exit still rankles
Onyedika grew up idolising former Manchester United, Juventus and France ace Paul Pogba – the most mercurial of playmakers – but there is a more grizzled, pugnacious approach to the Nigerian’s game.
He could give West Ham the sort of drive and tenacity they have missed since Declan Rice left for Arsenal two years ago. Onyedika averaged over two tackles per game in the Champions League last season, for instance, while also scoring with a fine finish against Manchester City.
“Onyedika is a versatile player who plays mainly as a central midfielder and is capable of playing on the right flank, in a holding role, as a deep-lying playmaker, in a box-to-box role, or even as an attacking midfielder,” Nigerian newspaper Punch explains.
“Onyedika is skilful and is very good at aerial balls. He is strong and has also drawn praise for his flair, speed as well as ability to hold up the ball.”
In addition to Club Brugge duo Onyedika and Jashari, West Ham are watching Anderlecht starlet Mario Stroeykens too.
A more attack-minded option, while Onyedika could help fill a Declan Rice-shaped hole, Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri insists Stroeykens is of a ‘Lucas Paqueta-style of player’.