West Ham United are interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer as they look to strengthen their first-team squad.
What’s the story?
According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are keen to acquire the 22-year-old’s signature, although they’re set to face competition from fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace and German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Romano tweeted: “Crystal Palace and West Ham among clubs interested… and Bayer Leverkusen” in response to a tweet from account @ZRAFC, which passed on the information that Nketiah has rejected a contract offer from the Gunners.
Should West Ham sign Nketiah?
Yes, definitely!
No way!
Fans will be delighted
Optimism will be high around the London Stadium heading into the upcoming campaign after an incredible sixth-placed finish in the Premier League standings last term.
West Ham’s magnificent achievement in 2020/21 has earned them a place in next season’s Europa League, meaning David Moyes will be forced to add significant reinforcements in order to fight on multiple fronts.
After Sebastien Haller’s departure last January, Michail Antonio was left as the only recognised striker in the capital club’s first-team squad.
And while the converted winger put in a string of stellar performances at the top end of the pitch – scoring 10 top-flight goals and providing a further five assists – his poor injury record means cover and competition is badly needed.
Therefore, news that the east London outfit are interested in Nketiah will surely have the club’s fans feeling delighted.
Although he struggled for game time last season, the former England Under-21 international has showcased his potential on several occasions throughout his career.
A return of 13 goals in 65 appearances for the Gunners is a respectable total considering a large portion of those outings have come via cameos off the bench.
Adding a promising, young, English goalscorer to their ranks would be a good piece of business by the Hammers, and a large section of the supporters are likely to be urging the club’s chiefs to get this deal over the line.
And, in other news…West Ham must act swiftly to land “exceptional” £50k-p/w beast, Moyes would love him