West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
Transfers

Fabrizio Romano shares West Ham United and Lucas Ocampos transfer update

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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West Ham are not working on a deal to sign Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos despite recent reports, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer specialist reported via his personal X account [29 August] that the Hammers are not looking to sign the Argentine following news that a contract had been offered ahead of the transfer deadline day.

German Garcia Grova reported earlier on Thursday (29 August) that the two parties were in discussions over a potential deal, with the player evaluating his next decision, though those rumours have been put to bed.

West Ham United not working to sign Lucas Ocampos

Given the Hammers' dealings during the summer transfer window, Julen Lopetegui is in no desperate state to add another winger to the squad even despite his experience.

The 30-year-old has played all over Europe, appearing for Monaco, Marseille, AC Milan and Sevilla, to name just a few, with many appearances coming in the Champions League and Europa League.

However, with Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme at the manager's disposal currently, there would be little room for Ocampos.

The flanks are the least of Lopetegui's worries. If the Hammers are to add another player ahead of the transfer deadline, it should be in midfield despite the number of additions in the middle of the park.

With Edson Alvarez returning from injury against Crystal Palace and starting against Bournemouth on Wednesday 28 August, Guido Rodriguez has competition.

But, with James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek both being linked with last-gasp exits [Dharmesh Sheth], Lopetegui could find himself lacking choices in midfield. While Ocampos is capable of deputising there, it is certainly not his greatest strength.

With only hours remaining until the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Friday 30 August, attention needs to turn to outgoings, especially if Paris Saint-Germain's Carlos Soler is to join [Florian Plettenberg].

In other West Ham news, Southampton interested in signing Maxwel Cornet after failed move.

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fabrizio romano
Sevilla
Lucas Ocampos
West Ham
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