Pablo Fornals could now quit West Ham United in January as Kerem Akturkoglu transfer news emerges
West Ham United have placed Galatasaray midfielder Kerem Akturkoglu among their list of midfielder targets which surely now means Pablo Fornals could be ready to quit the club in January.
Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah (10 October) reports that the Hammers along with London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are all interested in the 24-year-old attacking midfielder.
Akturkoglu most notably scored against Manchester United in the Champions League last week in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford and is said to be eyed up close by English clubs.
The Galatasaray maestro has been in superb form this season registering five goals and six assists from 16 games in all competitions already making him one of Turkey’s hottest footballing properties, and it’s no wonder why West Ham are joined by Tottenham and Arsenal for his signature.
The report by T24 read: “Tottenham Hotspur’s successful coach Ange Postecoglou follows Kerem Akturkoglu closely.
“Arsenal scouts also watched Kerem Akturkoglu in the Manchester United match.
“The national football team player is also considered one of West Ham United’s midfield candidates.”
He is under contract until 2026, meaning that Gala will not be forced to cash in on the versatile attacker unless their valuation is met in full in January or beyond.
Akturkoglu, who has been capped 22 times by Turkey at senior level, has played largely on the left-hand side of attacking midfield this season [WhoScored], which is not exactly a position West Ham are light in and could also fill in directly behind the striker.
And given the current contract situation of Pablo Fornals at the London Stadium, it’s certainly smart for the Hammers to start planning in the event of his much-anticipated exit with his current deal expiring next summer.
It’s been reported that Fornals has rejected the chance of a new deal at the London Stadium (Sean Whetstone, 14 September) and in recent weeks the Spaniard has certainly played like a man who knows he won’t be on the club’s books for long.
Spanish news outlet El Sevillista reported on 26 September), that Champions League club Sevilla are hopeful West Ham United will accept a “negligible” offer for the Spanish international in order to “get some profitability” and avoid losing him on a free transfer.
The report also wrote that Sevilla are already advancing in their plans for the January market and have placed Fornals at the top of their target list as they look to bolster the squad to qualify for Europe.
Fornals has suffered from a limited role in the team this season and his current squad status could now mean that he is ready to quit in January where his contract will have just six months to run.
Then, West Ham United can gain some much-needed transfer windfall to fund a move for a potential replacement, and they may already have one lined up in Akturkoglu.
In other West Ham news, pundit Darren Bent believes a Hammers player is good enough to get into Manchester United’s starting line-up.