Frank McAvennie wants West Ham to avoid Lucas Ocampos after £75m valuation
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham United have got Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos on their summer shopping list but Frank McAvennie wants them to look elsewhere.
The Argentinian played against the Hammers in the Europa League round of 16 but was largely ineffective as the Spaniards were dumped out of the competition they have won six times in the past.
According to Super Deporte, Rojiblancos (as they are known) are set to increase their asking price for the 27-year-old to an eye-watering £75million amid the interest from the Irons and their Premier League counterparts Wolves.
They are adamant that they will hold onto Ocampos’ services but McAvennie wants his former side out of the race anyway with enough depth and quality on the wing already at the London Stadium.
“A winger? We’ve got Yarmolenko and Bowen,” McAvennie said to West Ham Zone. “I don’t know if we need a winger because I think if Bowen leaves it won’t be this year.
“There’s players out there that you can get for cheaper and David (Moyes) will probably want to keep it like for like.”
Given how little he impacted the Europa League clash between the two sides, there won’t be many Hammers fans who disagree with McAvennie’s thoughts.
Moyes has bigger issues to deal with first such as the lack of a backup striker behind Michail Antonio and an injury-prone defence that looks set to be torn to pieces in the next transfer window.
And with £75million slapped on Ocampos’ head, the Irons will surely pull out of any potential deal they were working on and try a different option out wide if they are insistent on adding more width to the squad.
In other West Ham news, one winger who would be an exceptional purchase is this Bundesliga ace with 16 goals this season and the Irons are keen.
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