West Ham United to battle for Kelechi Iheanacho with transfer ready
West Ham United are ready to battle to sign free-agent striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to Soccernet.
The Nigerian media outlet reported on their website [4 July] that the Hammers will take on Wolves for his transfer this summer.
The former Manchester City man is a free agent after his contract with Leicester City expired on 30 June, and is said to be a prime target for Julen Lopetegui.
Why West Ham United want Kelechi Iheanacho this summer
It comes as no surprise that West Ham have found themselves in a battle to sign Iheanacho this summer.
Throughout the transfer window, the likes of Callum Wilson, Tammy Abraham and Youssef En-Nesyri have all been linked with a move [Mundo Deportivo, 3 July, page 26] to the London Stadium.
This comes after not only the poor performances of Danny Ings and Michail Antonio last season but also because the future of both remains in the balance.
The Jamaica international has already had a bid turned down from Gremio [Roshane Thomas, 28 June] by West Ham who deemed the offer unacceptable.
Although Iheanacho isn’t as exciting as the aforementioned three, he would no doubt get a job done, even if just as a squad player.
The 27-year-old contributed to nine goals last season albeit in the Championship and would add a stronger focal point to the Hammers’ attack.
His addition could also alleviate some of the pressure off of the shoulders of both Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen who seemingly carried the London-based team’s attack last term.
The fact that Iheanacho would also cost the Hammers nothing will also likely appeal to Lopetegui as it would allow him to spend his remaining budget elsewhere rather than spending top-dollar on a number nine.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ move for Max Kilman is nearing completion.
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