West Ham United face Tottenham transfer threat in pursuit of Albert Gudmundsson
West Ham and Tottenham are both showing strong interest in signing Albert Gudmundsson this summer, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian outlet reported via their website on 25 March that the Icelandic attacker is also in the sights of Serie A giants Juventus and Inter, as well as other suitors abroad, after a strong season back in the Italian top flight with Genoa.
The 26-year-old has scored 12 league and cup goals, while assisting four more, for the promoted side who are comfortably in mid-table, and netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 international victory over Israel on Thursday (21 March).
West Ham attempted to sign Gudmundsson in the winter window but were knocked back by Genoa due to his importance to their season [Gianluca Di Marzio, 10 January], and now it appears they face significant competition from their North London rivals.
West Ham to battle Spurs and Italian giants for forward?
Clubs are frequently more amenable to letting their top assets leave between seasons if it gives them the opportunity to properly replace them.
So if West Ham made a push to sign Gudmundsson in January their chances would presumably be stronger at the end of the campaign.
However, they will likely need to be decisive when the market opens again if the Spurs threat is as strong as suggested, with no shortage of interest elsewhere.
Whether David Moyes remains in charge or not the forward areas are in clear need of strengthening this summer, with Danny Ings and Divin Mubama’s futures unclear, Michail Antonio almost leaving earlier this year, and no replacement signed for Gianluca Scamacca in the summer.
If it weren’t for Jarrod Bowen stepping up in a big way and Mohammed Kudus chipping in the lack of firepower up front would have been an even more glaring issue, even before Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma left in January, again without reinforcements arriving.
Gudmundsson would need to be one of a few new recruits even if West Ham do win the race, but it looks like Tim Steidten will have his work cut out.
In other West Ham news, the Irons appear to have stepped up their interest in an undefeated international defender after watching him repeatedly.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.