Georges Mikautadze stance emerges as West Ham United target transfer now
Georges Mikautadze's "first wish" is to continue playing in France amid transfer interest from West Ham this summer, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French source reported [28 June] that the Hammers have already sent an offer to Metz believed to be much higher than the £16.9million (€20million) asking price for the in-form striker.
It is understood, however, that with interest already registered by Lens and AS Monaco, the 23-year-old has expressed his wish to remain in France following his permanent switch from Ajax this summer.
West Ham handed early blow in Georges Mikautadze transfer
With Julen Lopetegui and his team making it very clear that a new striker is needed at the London Stadium this summer, they must be careful with their decision-making.
The Hammers have become notorious for poor forwards throughout the David Sullivan era, ranging from the likes of Emmanuel Emenike and Sofiane Feghouli to Simone Zaza and Lucas Perez.
Fans have every right to be excited about the names being linked with the club this summer, like AS Roma's Tammy Abraham and Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri, but especially Mikautadze who is currently blowing Euro 2024 out of the water [Corriere Della Serra].
The Georgia international is the tournament's leading goalscorer currently, having netted against Turkey, Czechia and Portugal, seeing his nation progress to the knockout rounds as a best third-placed team.
It will come as no surprise to those watching him, however, having netted 13 goals in 20 league appearances last term, prompting many clubs to take notice of his form.
Price does not seem to be an issue for the Hammers this summer, but the club will need to persuade him that a move to London is the right thing for his career if he is to abandon his wish to remain in France.
In other West Ham news, an update on Shaquille O'Neal's reported investment talks at the London Stadium has been shared.
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