West Ham United push for Mohammed Kudus and Elye Wahi as Lucas Paqueta exit to Manchester United not ruled out – Jacob Steinberg
West Ham are “pushing for” both Mohammed Kudus and Elye Wahi to boost their attack amid differing views over Lucas Paqueta’s potential exit, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported via Twitter on Friday afternoon (18 August) that the “current expectation” at the club is that the Brazilian star, 25, will not be leaving for Manchester City, but “sources close to the player” were “not ruling it out”.
Paqueta had appeared destined for the Etihad after a £70million bid was rejected, as he had made clear he wanted to go as a new offer was lined up, before developments Friday saw the deal apparently fall through.
Meanwhile, Tim Steidten is in the Netherlands negotiating with Ajax star Kudus, with a move now thought to be wanted irrespective of what happens with Paqueta before the window shuts.
Wahi, 20, has been interesting Tottenham and had a bid rejected from Chelsea, but the Montpellier striker is believed to want to a move to the London Stadium over both city rivals.
In the balance
Perhaps it has taken the possibility of losing yet another high-priced star before the deadline to spark West Ham into decisive action in response.
Given how quickly things can change in the final days of the window it would be foolish to completely rule out Paqueta’s move suddenly firing back up.
But the Irons surely need to add further options in attack either way so should press ahead with moves for Kudus and Wahi, if they are satisfied they are the right options.
Kudus has been interesting a whole crowd of clubs across Europe in the past year thanks to his performances for the Amsterdam giants, especially in the Champions League, and looks like a good bet on paper to have an impact in the Premier League.
Wahi, although he has been featuring in the French top flight for three seasons already and has scored 32 league goals in that time, might be more of a wildcard in terms of adapting to West Ham.
But both would undoubtedly be exciting signings with major potential, so should both arrive it would be a positive show of intent by the club.
And if the Hammers can keep hold of Paqueta at the same time then there is scope yet for a very positive end to what has been an ordeal of a transfer window.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are in transfer talks over another new signing after a pursuit collapsed.