West Ham United want to sign Alex Grimaldo from Benfica and eyeing Memphis Depay – ExWHUemployee
West Ham are interested in signing Alex Grimaldo from Benfica and Memphis Depay from Barcelona and both deals are worth keeping an eye on.
That’s according to ExWHUemployee, who was speaking on the West Ham Way podcast [July 4] and confirmed that the Hammers are looking to make moves in the transfer window this summer.
While no bids have been placed the club insider claimed that a move for Brazilian Grimaldo could intensify later in the window, while Memphis could emerge as a target if the club can’t make progress on a deal for Armando Broja soon.
“We’re looking at a left-back,” he said. “I’ve told you about Maehle at Atlanta. Luca Pellegrini is in the Italian league as well. Hickey is going to Brentford it looks like although that’s not completely confirmed yet. There’s a few left-back targets over the period of the window.
“Another name to keep an eye on, and Arsenal are in the mix for him, is a guy called Alex Grimaldo that plays for Benfica. Very highly rated left-back. We’ve looked at him in the past and not been tempted to make an offer because of competition.
“But Arsenal apparently potentially going to go for him, but worth keeping an eye on that deal as that could intensify as it is.
“Another one to look at is Memphis Depay of Barcelona. He’s apparently available for £17m. He’s obviously going to have loads of clubs after him and his agent is said to have turned down a lower ranked English team recently. I don’t know if lower ranked would characterise West Ham, but it wouldn’t surprise me if other forward options like Broja don’t start tocome into play soon that we will be trying to see what the deal with Depay is saying.
“Obviously Broja is the main target, but it’s come out that Newcastle are going to be in the mix again.”
Eggs in baskets
West Ham have identified primary targets for their summer window, but it seems as though they’re not resting on their laurels and making plans in case the worst happens.
Broja has emerged as the top target for the striker position, but with plenty of competition and no guarantee that he will even be allowed to leave they can’t simply rely on that.
Making moves on several targets at the same time allows the club to be pro-active and make decisions quickly, rather than starting from scratch if something doesn’t go their way.
Grimaldo would be a terrific signing at left-back too, with the club targeting some Champions League experience to strengthen their squad and help push towards that ultimate goal.
Fans should be excited by the moves the club are looking to do during the summer window and if they’re able to get them all over the line then a great season will surely follow.