West Ham United source issues ‘90%’ transfer update amid Hugo Ekitike chase on deadline day
West Ham are “unlikely” to sign anyone on deadline day despite “much talk” of moves for strikers including Hugo Ekitike, according to Claret & Hugh.
The Hammers outlet reported via their website on the last day of the window (1 September) that a “key source” at the club had poured cold water on expectations with only a “very small chance” of late arrivals despite links to the PSG forward and Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri.
According to C&H the source at the London Stadium has claimed there is a “ninety per cent chance there will be nothing” before the window shuts.
Tim Steidten had flown to Brazil in an attempt to land a deal for Yuri Alberto from Corinthians but returned “empty handed” and had been tipped to push for Ekitike, 21, next before the deadline, with the Hammers reportedly willing to pay as much as £38.5million to land him.
Deflating
There is clearly a gap in the squad at striker given Gianluca Scamacca was sold and while the very strong signing of Mohammed Kudus has helped cover for that the forward positions are going to need addressing sooner or later.
Michail Antonio has made a roaring start to the season despite repeated links to an exit again this summer, and with Danny Ings available to leave as well the current options are clearly temporary.
If there are late departures on deadline day there is surely scope for the percentage chance of a new arrival to increase, but the fact West Ham are playing Luton Town has definitely complicated matters and infuriated the club.
The Irons have managed to drag their transfer window back on track in the final weeks with the signings of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos and the big one for Kudus.
But they appear to have put a lot of effort into strengthening at striker so it will disappoint the club and the fans to miss out at one key position.
As long as Antonio keeps producing and stays fit, and Kudus hits the ground running, it might not be a big issue for now but another striker will have to come in soon with the Jamaica international 33 and Ings 31.
In other West Ham news, a star man has been lined up to replace a potentially huge deadline mover in the Premier League as incredible money is put on the table.