£40m striker is about to tell his club that he wants to join West Ham United to work with Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United may now be about to make a significant breakthrough in Tim Steidten’s attempts to recruit a striker for Julen Lopetegui’s new era.
For so long David Moyes coped without a goal-scoring number nine, someone who could break or even get close to the 20 goal mark in a single season.
34-year-old Michail Antonio was an excellent option for Moyes throughout his first and second spell with the club – but has never scored more than 10 Premier League goals in one season.
Antonio’s most prolific campaign came back in the 2014/15 season for Nottingham Forest in the Championship when he scored 14 goals and provided the same amount of assists.
But now in his latter years, Antonio needs better support – West Ham need to find an upgrade on Danny Ings.
Yes, Jarrod Bowen can be the goalscorer that Lopetegui needs, but he’s far better served remaining on the right wing.
That being said, Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran could now be the solution this season, and the striker wants to join West Ham.
Jhon Duran expected to tell Aston Villa that he wants to move to West Ham this week
Despite his talent, 20-year-old Duran hasn’t been able to earn a first team role at Villa owing to the form of Ollie Watkins.
And it’s therefore understandable that the young striker wants to leave, given the situation is unlikely to change any time soon.
That being said, journalist James Nursey has just shared an update on X detailing that Duran plans to tell Villa that he wants to move to West Ham this week.
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After seeing three bids rejected, the Hammers are said to be getting closer to Villa’s £40m asking price.
Nursey shared: “Expecting Jhon Duran to this week tell Villa he wants to move to West Ham.
“Villa asking for £40m. Hammers getting close after 3 bids.
“Chelsea and Newcastle also interested in striker but Duran wants to play for fellow Spanish speaker Lopetegui who can offer first team football.”
Of course, some West Ham fans may feel that the fee attached to the deal is a little steep, but similarly may just be relieved to see a striker come through the door if a deal is concluded.
Duran has bags of ability and potential, an excellent ball-striker, and could be incredibly well-suited to spearheading this new era.
All that being said, West Ham have submitted an enquiry for one of Lionel Messi’s teammates, too.
One of them being a central defender to perhaps replace Nayef Aguerd, who continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium.
With that said, it has just emerged that they’re interested in signing a former Chelsea centre-back.