West Ham United transfer news as £80m Jhon Duran development emerges

Aston Villa striker who has been linked with Chelsea and West Ham is now understood to be valued at £80million, according to TEAMtalk.

The news outlet reported on 3 October that given his headline-making goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on 2 October and his worth to Unai Emery, the valuation may even be close to £100million.

The Hammers looked to finalise a deal for the Colombian striker in the summer and then looked to shell out around £35million [HITC] but he did not move to the London Stadium.

West Ham cannot afford to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran

The 20-year-old, now valued between £80-100million, seems financially unfeasible given their transfer strategy and recent acquisitions.

The club’s signing of Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund not only addresses their need for a forward but also signals a strategic move towards balancing squad depth without over-investing in a single position.

Fullkrug’s acquisition, aimed at bolstering their attacking options, effectively reduces the urgency for another high-profile striker, especially one commanding such a steep price.

West Ham’s previous valuation of the player around £35million during the summer transfer window underscores their reluctance to meet the significantly inflated demands now.

This approach aligns with their typical transfer policy of seeking value for money, often opting for players who fit into their budget without breaking the bank.

West Ham United striker Niclas Fullkrug
Credit: Imago

Making an £80million bid for another striker, particularly after securing Fullkrug, is highly unlikely and the club has probably already moved on.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers are now open to signing a £20.8m-rated Spanish player with a European club open to offers for him.

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