PSG ace Hugo Ekitike ‘most likely’ new West Ham United striker as cut-price deal on the cards
West Ham are targeting a cut-price move for PSG ace Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window, according to FootballTransfers.
The publication reported on its website on Friday (17 November) that both Ekitike and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee are being eyed.
But it is long-term Hammers target Ekitike who is the most likely to arrive at the London Stadium, FootballTransfers added.
“Two of the players West Ham are said to be looking at are Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna and Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike,” according to FootballTransfers.
“Of the two players, Ekitike is believed to be more likely, having been a long-term target for the Hammers, who believe they could get him for a cheap price in January.
“Zirkzee is also very appreciated by the Premier League side but a mid-season transfer would prove difficult due to the Dutchman’s importance to Bologna, who are pushing for European contention in Serie A.”
New striker needed
One thing is certain amid all the madness at the London Stadium this season, both on and off the pitch, and that is that a new striker is needed.
Michail Antonio, who seemingly came close to leaving the Hammers in the summer transfer window, is very much the leading man in the final third under David Moyes.
Former Liverpool and Burnley man Danny Ings meanwhile is his reserve, with youngster Divin Mubama another option for the East London club.
But it seems that, along with Antonio, their futures at the London Stadium are also up in the air, with Moyes now undoubtedly needing to think about a fresh face going forward.
The manager will, however, find it very difficult to persuade Bologna to let go of Zirkzee at this point of the season, meaning PSG’s Ekitike would be the more viable option, given his struggle for game time in the French capital.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are eyeing a former Premier League striker who is “free to leave” his current club, with a January deal on the cards.