West Ham have been linked with a striker signing ahead of the summer.placeholder image
West Ham have been linked with a striker signing ahead of the summer. | Getty Images
West Ham may face competition for a striker target this summer transfer window.
West Ham United are deeply embroiled in a relegation battle and will hope to retain their Premier League status in a tense run-in after the international break.
The Hammers remained in the bottom three after they were defeated 2-0 at Aston Villa last time out, with Tottenham Hotspur dropping to just a place above them after they were humbled 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side return to league action on April 10 against bottom side Wolves and will hope to catapult themselves out of the relegation zone and towards safety.
West Ham linked with Bologna forward - but there is major competition
According to reports by Tutto Mercato Web in Italy, West Ham are one of the sides interested in £36million-rated Bologna striker Santiago Castro this summer.
The 21-year-old has struck a career-high 11 goals in all competitions so far this season and clubs are taking notice, with Serie A giants AC Milan thought to be rivalling the Hammers for the Argentina youth international.
Reporting continues that Milan had a scout present at Bologna’s last match against Lazio on Sunday, watching both Castro and defender Mario Gila. For Castro, Bologna’s demands are high – and the Premier League is set to represent a ‘level competitor’, with both West Ham and relegation Nottingham Forest ‘showing appreciation’ for Castro. The English duo would have ‘no problem’ matching Bologna’s financial requests and both may make a formal approach this summer if they survive in the top flight – though the Serie A outfit will hope to lay the groundwork for a deal by then.
But with Bologna ‘blocking’ and Premier League sides such as the Hammers ‘starting the move’ as per the report, this could become an interesting transfer saga come the summer window.
Castro could become decisive West Ham signing if they win the race
The striker position has been somewhat of a challenge to fill for West Ham in recent years, with club hero Michail Antonio proving difficult to replace and big-money buys such as Sebastian Haller, Niclas Fullkrug and Gianluca Scamacca all flattering to deceive.
Most recently, Taty Castellanos was brought in from Lazio and has bagged three goals in all competitions, making an impact but not appearing to be the prolific striker the Irons need in the long-term. While Brazilian front-man Pablo has failed to find the net since his January arrival and another forward option might be needed at the end of the season.
Castro could be the perfect man for West Ham. Not only is he growing into a regular goalscorer in Serie A, his high-energy style terrorises defences and could add another dimension to the Hammers attack. With age firmly on his side, too, the 21-year-old could be a very valuable purchase with high resale value wherever he ends up next.
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