Fulham are now eyeing a summer move for a £39m striker, who could be brought in as an alternative to PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi.
Cottagers still keen on new striker after missing out in January
With Raul Jimenez's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Cottagers set out to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, but they were unable to get a deal for PSV's Pepi over the line, despite submitting a late bid.
However, with Marco Silva's future at Craven Cottage also in doubt, given that his deal expires in the summer, the west Londoners haven't given up on bringing in the PSV star, and they are hoping signing the American will be enough to convince their manager to stay.
The 23-year-old is enjoying a solid campaign in the Eredivisie, netting nine goals in 16 games, most recently marking his return from an injury lay-off by scoring in his side's 3-1 victory against Heerenveen.
As such, Pepi could be an exciting addition to Silva's squad, but he isn't the only striker Fulham have their eye on, according to journalist Diego Firmino, who has now revealed they have joined the race to sign Palmeiras star Flaco Lopez.
The Cottagers aren't alone in their pursuit of the Argentinian, however, with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur also named as potential suitors, alongside La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Palmeiras' Flaco Lopez reacts
The Brazilian club are expecting a bid of around €40m - €45m (£35m - £39m) in the summer transfer window, with any offer likely to come after the World Cup.
"Animal" Lopez could be ready for Premier League move
The 25-year-old was a regular provider of both goals and assists for Palmeiras right the way through the 2025 season, chipping in with a combined 32 goal contributions across all competitions.
Flaco Lopez's attacking record Appearances Goal involvements
Campeonato Paulista 12 7
Club World Cup 4 1
Copa do Brasil 3 1
Copa Libertadores 12 9
Brazilian Serie A 33 14
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has also been full of praise for the centre-forward in the past, saying: "The number 9 position is a difficult one. He's an animal, strong, fast, powerful, a killer."
Having caught the eye in Brazil, the San Lorenzo-born marksman has now earned two caps for national side Argentina, grabbing an assist in a 6-0 thrashing of Puerto Rico back in October.
Lopez could be an exciting signing for Fulham, given his goal record in Brazil, but £39m would be a huge fee to pay for a player who is yet to prove himself in Europe, and signing Pepi may be a safer bet.
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He's now out of work.