Michy Batshuayi 'very close' to joining West Ham in shock twist

Michy Batshuayi is "very close" to joining West Ham United in a "surprise transfer", according to Aksam.

The Turkish newspaper reported via their website on Tuesday (14 January) that the Irons are "closely" interested in the striker, who they were previously linked with almost five years ago, and are set to knock on Galatasaray's door to discuss a transfer.

Graham Potter's side have set their sights on signing the former Chelsea striker, who is also open to return to England, on loan until the end of the season amid long-term injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio.

Graham Potter must avoid Michy Batshuayi blunder at West Ham

It is easy to see why West Ham are desperate to sign a new striker during the January transfer window, but there is a reason why Batshuayi has been restricted to Turkish football since 2021.

The Belgian has notably made just one Super Lig start since joining Galatasaray on a free transfer in the summer.

In fairness to him, Batshuayi has bagged five goals and two assists in 383 minutes of playing time in the league this season, but that does not change the fact that he is not what the Hammers need right now.

Furthermore, he turned 31 in October, and he would become the fourth striker in his 30s at the London Stadium should a transfer come to fruition.

Graham Potter and Co are better off targeting a younger striker to fill the void left by Antonio and Fullkrug's absences.

While the winter transfer window is a difficult market to operate, there is certainly no shortage of centre-forwards.

The East London outfit have already made a move to sign Elye Wahi from Marseille [L'Equipe]. They must focus on such targets for the time being.

In other West Ham news, Jacob Steinberg has provided an update on the Irons' quest to sign a player admired by Gary Lineker.

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