West Ham United are actively pursuing striking reinforcements as they face an injury crisis in their attacking options.
After having an initial £50 million bid for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran rejected, the Hammers are now considering alternative options as they approach the February transfer deadline.
The London club’s search for a new forward has intensified following injuries to key players, including Michail Antonio, Jarrad Bowen, and the most recent blow with Niclas Fullkrug’s serious muscle injury sustained during an FA Cup match against Villa. With only Danny Ings fit to lead the line, West Ham is looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.
While Duran remains a top target for the club, sources have indicated that West Ham is exploring other possibilities. The club had also shown interest in the Colombian international in the summer transfer window, but after Villa’s rejection, the focus has shifted to other potential signings. Duran signed a new long-term contract with Villa in October, extending his stay until 2030, which makes his departure from the Midlands club unlikely at this stage.
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One of the alternative targets on West Ham’s radar is Emmanuel Latte Lath, the Middlesbrough forward who has enjoyed a successful season with 10 goals in 28 appearances. At 26, the Ivory Coast international has become a key player for his current club, and Football Insider reported that Middlesbrough would demand a £15 million fee for the striker’s services this month.
Another striker under consideration is Evan Ferguson, the 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international who has struggled for regular playing time at Brighton. Despite his potential, Ferguson has found himself behind established forwards in the pecking order under manager Fabian Hurzeler, with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter, and Joao Pedro being preferred options. Ferguson’s lack of game time could make a move to West Ham appealing, offering him more opportunities to play regularly.
West Ham has also been keeping a close eye on Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto. The 23-year-old forward is seen as a long-term target for the Hammers, and his impressive form for Corinthians last year, where he scored 31 goals in 57 appearances, has put him on the radar of several top clubs. Alberto’s ability to score consistently has made him an attractive option for a West Ham side looking to add more firepower to their ranks.
The Urgency for a New Striker
The urgency for a new striker has never been more apparent for West Ham. With several attacking players sidelined, manager David Moyes is in need of a proven goal scorer to bolster his squad. The club is under pressure to secure a striker who can make an immediate impact and help steer the team clear of the relegation zone while also adding depth for the remainder of the season.
With multiple targets in mind, West Ham is expected to act quickly in the final weeks of the transfer window. The club’s recruitment team will be looking to finalize a deal that strengthens their attacking options while being mindful of their budget and the financial constraints that come with the mid-season market.
In addition to their search for a new forward, West Ham has made decisions on other areas of the squad, with reports indicating that they are also focusing on strengthening their midfield options. The club’s overall transfer strategy will be key in determining whether they can turn their season around and secure their Premier League status.
As the clock ticks down toward the February deadline, West Ham fans will be hoping that the club can strike a deal for one of their attacking targets. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the rest of the season, and the Hammers are determined to make the necessary moves to ensure they finish strong.
