Nuno can still pull off West Ham transfer masterstroke despite Ricardo Pepi contract talks
West Ham could still get their hands on Ricardo Pepi when the summer window opens.
The Hammers were busy in the winter market as Nuno Espirito Santo moved to bring four fresh faces to the London Stadium.
Reinforcements were certainly needed, particularly in attacking areas, with Taty Castellanos, Pablo and Adama Traore coming in to add to the forward line.
There is hope that this trio, alongside Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, will be enough to keep the Irons in the Premier League.
If the East London outfit are preparing for Premier League football over the summer, there could be a perfect chance to bring Pepi in from PSV.
Ricardo Pepi talks continue outside of transfer window
Pepi was linked to West Ham in the January window as a last-gasp deal was eyed in the final stages of the winter.
The American international ultimately stayed at PSV, with injury playing its part in various sides cooling their interest in his signature.
The 23-year-old is expected to return from a broken arm in March, so a transfer could still be in the pipeline, ready for next season.
It looks as if a pre-contract arrangement could soon be agreed, with Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink reporting that Fulham are ramping up talks for the forward.
PSV want around £30million for his services, in a deal that could represent a bargain if he is successful, so West Ham are bound to be interested.
Whether the American would want to join the Hammers will all depend on their Premier League status, so there will be new hopes piled on Nuno’s shoulders.
Nuno Espirito Santo must avoid relegation for West Ham to sign Pepi
The current state of play in the relegation battle is changing potential transfer plans on a weekly basis, but deals do need to be reviewed at this early stage.
If the Irons don’t have a contingency in place, they will leave themselves open to a turbulent summer, regardless of their division.
Nuno will be hopeful of keeping his side in the division, and the closer that dream moves to reality, the more likely West Ham are to make big-name signings.
Pepi would certainly fit that bill and represent a statement if the claret and blue outfit reaches him before Fulham do.
The E20 club could look to open early contract talks themselves, but will have to make some serious promises to turn his head.
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