Benfica start intense talks to sell Arthur Cabral as West Ham want transfer now

Benfica have started "intense" contacts to sell Arthur Cabral amid interest from West Ham, according to Record.

The Portuguese newspaper reports in its print edition (1 February, page 10) that Benfica are looking to offload the forward before the end of the winter transfer window.

The Hammers are interested in the striker but have not yet reached the desired fee as his current side looks to get as much back of the £16million they originally spent on him.

West Ham ready Arthur Cabral transfer

With injuries keeping Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug all out of the squad, it's no surprise that Graham Potter is looking to bring in a new attacker before the transfer window closes.

Although the Brazilian has only made two league starts this term, he has also scored two goals which is a positive return and shows the quality he could bring the the Irons side.

In previous campaigns, the 26-year-old has shown he knows where the back of the net is which is exactly what the boss will want from a new addition as he looks for instant impact at the London Stadium.

The fact that Benfica are ready to sell is a positive when it comes to their pursuit of the forward before the end of the window as it suggests that a deal is there to be struck.

However, with the Champions League club wanting a decent fee and Torino also credited with interest, the East London outfit will have to ensure they don't get elbowed out of this negotiation.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made a last-gasp sale decision on Mohammed Kudus.

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