West Ham United want Valentin Castellanos as £100m+ Euro development drops
West Ham United are interested in signing New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos, according to Spanish newspaper, OLE.
However, it’s believed Benefica are now “one step” away from completing a deal for the 24-year-old Argentinian, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Girona (OLE, pg 20, 12 June).
It’s understood the Portuguese side will pay £12.8million for the striker, who has a release clause in his current contract.
All indications suggest he will sign for Benfica as they look to reinvest the £103million they received for Enzo Fernandez.
Castellanos scored 14 goals for the La Liga side during the 2022/23 season.
Hard to compete
The likes of Benfica are hard to compete with for West Ham.
Castellanos has been prolific over the past couple of years and looks like a player who will go on to be a hit with a Champions League club.
When it comes to West Ham’s transfer business, a new number nine will have to be a top priority for David Moyes. Michail Antonio is entering the latter stages of his career and the Jury is still very much out on Gianluca Scamacca.
The Italian has endured a tough debut season in England and could return to his native Italy.
Whether this is the right move is up for debate. The Italian has shown moments of quality during his time at the London Stadium and it would be short sighting thinking to give up on Scamacca just yet.
Despite missing out on Castellanos, another forward will have to arrive this summer. West Ham’s difficult domestic campaign means they have to add quality to the squad during the off-season.