West Ham United transfer news as ‘significant offer’ required for Nottingham Forest ace Taiwo Awoniyi
West Ham would have to make a “significant offer” to Nottingham Forest if they want to sign striker Taiwo Awoniyi, according to the Athletic.
Athletic journalist Paul Taylor wrote in an audit of the Forest squad (11 June) that the Hammers are one of several clubs who “hold an interest” in Awoniyi, who missed much of last season through injury.
Having been replaced by Chris Wood as Forest’s first-choice striker under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Athletic’s report stated that there is a small question over Awoniyi’s future going into the transfer window.
West Ham are on the hunt for a striker under Julen Lopetegui and, after scoring 16 Premier League goals across two seasons with Forest, Awoniyi could be a tried and tested option for the Irons to target up front.
West Ham United increasing transfer pursuit for new striker
The Hammers have a huge hole to fill in the number nine role this summer, with centre-forward being one of the six positions in which Lopetegui has requested to strengthen in the transfer window [Evening Standard].
Awoniyi is the latest in a wide number of attacking targets the Spaniard has identified, with others stretching the length and breadth of Europe.
Lopetegui is reportedly keen on Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri [SportsLens], with whom he won the Europa League in 2020, and as the Spanish club are in dire financial straights, this could be a transfer which comes to fruition [VamosMiSevilla].
The Hammers have had less success in their pursuits of Stuttgart’s free-scoring strikers Serhou Guirassy and Simon Banza, thus turning attention towards the Premier League and Awoniyi is understandable.
However, having reportedly been knocked back by Banza in favour of a lucrative move to the Middle East, it’s clear the Irons will not overspend in their attempts to find a new number nine [O Jogo].
With Awoniyi commanding a Premier League-level salary and Forest striking a hard bargain to keep him, the Nigerian could be another who West Ham decide against signing.
In other West Ham news, a date has emerged for the Irons to officially announce their first signing of the summer transfer window.
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