Three days ago West Ham apparently walked away from [Mateus Fernandes](https://www.claretandhugh.info/forget-fernandes-west-hams-best-news-goes-under-the-radar-ahead-of-sunderland-clash/) and Southampton owing to the Saints’ lack of desire to sell their player and, of course, their £50 million- plus demand. And who can blame West Ham, for a relegated u21 international, that’s a lot of cash.
With a host of other targets identified this summer within that price range _still being available,_ it seems strange that the Irons are today linked with another bid – rejected again – for a top end talent almost – I’ll say it – out of their league.
[Chelsea.news](https://chelsea.news/2025/08/chelsea-west-ham-andrey-santos/) report the rejection of a £45 million bid for Andrey Santos, signed by the Blues for just £13 million in 2023. Puzzling as a whole host of lesser-priced midfield targets which the Hammers could go and buy – who are still available this late in the window – remain untouched. Without rehashing the names again and twisting the knife, Lille OSC midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau AND club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika could be on their way to London Stadium for the same £45 million.
So is it West Ham tilting at windmills again, aiming for targets they have no chance of landing instead of looking to bring in real talent who will be an upgrade on what we have?
You’d have to answer ‘yes’. Developments in the next 14 days will show exactly how the West Ham board and management react to what is evidently a crisis but not yet a disaster. Sit on their hands and do nothing and disaster it will certainly become. Spend the money on players who improve the side – which after yesterdays capitulation won’t be difficult – and West Ham might start to move in the right direction. Don’t hold your breath.