West Ham hovering for Justin Kluivert amid Roma crossroads, as price tag revealed

West Ham United are showing an interest in Roma winger Justin Kluivert after a loan spell with Nice, according to reports in Italy.

Kluivert was a promising talent earlier in his career but is yet to show any sign that he could be as good as his father Patrick was. Indeed, the winger has struggled for consistency since signing for Roma in 2018.

He spent two seasons in Serie A, but only got five league goals to his name across them. Since October 2020, he has been away from the Italian capital on loan.

First, he scored four times in 27 appearances for RB Leipzig in the 2020-21 campaign. Then, he found the net six times from 31 games for Nice last term.

However, he is now returning to Roma after his stint in Ligue 1. That said, his future with his parent club is in doubt.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, he is one of the players the Giallorossi will consider offers for this summer. While he maintains a market in France, West Ham are mentioned as another potential taker.

Despite their interest, they are yet to make an offer to meet Roma’s €15m (£12.7m) asking price. No other club has either, though, so the race could be on.

West Ham are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer. They have made signings in almost every other department of their squad so far, keeping Alphonse Areola on a permanent basis in goal and signing Nayef Aguerd in defence and Flynn Downes in midfield.

But they need further support for the likes of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen up front. They could either look for a centre-forward – a position they haven’t managed to add to for a few years – or someone who plays in a wider role, like Kluivert.

Justin Kluivert could need transfer to fulfil potential

The 23-year-old has not been a prolific goal-getter yet, despite breaking the 10-goal barrier in his final season with Ajax. However, his pace could make him an intriguing prospect in the Premier League.

Kluivert is able to play on either wing, although he marginally favours the left-hand side. A right-footer, he can be equally effective on the opposite flank.

Just how effective he can be is the question, though. He is at a stage of his career where he needs to start turning his potential into something more concrete. Perhaps he will require a fresh start at a new club – such as West Ham – to make such a breakthrough.

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