West Ham United transfer news emerges on Hugo Ekitike and Yuri Alberto swoop
West Ham remain in talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike, with the deal independent of the pursuit of Corinthians star Yuri Alberto, according to Sky Sports.
The sports news outlet shared via their Transfer Centre blog on 30 August [09:36] that the Hammers are getting encouragement that Ekitike is open to the move, while personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Alberto.
A possible double swoop appears to be on the cards, with West Ham locked in discussions with both clubs over signing their strikers.
Avoiding getting caught out
The Hammers making moves for both strikers at the same time will mean that if either deal should fall through for any reason, they will avoid being caught short at this late stage of the transfer window, and therefore will avoid any last-minute scramble to get deals done.
It is also entirely possible that the Hammers will need both strikers to come through the doors at the London Stadium, with current striker Danny Ings reportedly being targeted by Everton for a reunion with former boss Sean Dyche.
The Hammers have already lost one striker this summer in Gianluca Scamacca, leaving just Ings and Michail Antonio as their attacking options. This meant the Hammers were keen on bringing in a new striker to spread the burden, but two may be required should Ings make the move.
Ekitike is highly regarded across Europe, drawing attention from Premier League clubs Everton and Crystal Palace, as well as German side Frankfurt and Italian giants AC Milan. If West Ham can pull this off, it will be another great coup, up there with the signing of the summer contender Mohammed Kudus.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are working to finalise another transfer deal soon.