West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham transfer news: Lightning fast Fiorentina striker Christian Kouame emerges as Moyes target

Christian Kouame on loan at Anderlecht

West Ham have reportedly switched their striker focus to Italy as they weigh up a move for pacy African frontman Christian Kouame.

The Hammers are finally expected to land a replacement for Sebastien Haller, more than 18 months after selling their record signing to Ajax and after chasing numerous targets in three previous transfer windows.

The London club have been linked with the likes of Armando Broja, Mohamed Bayo and Emmanuel Dennis. However, they are looking to Serie A for a potential coup.

A report from Italy states that the Hammers are keen on Kouame, who’s renowned for his pace and hold-up play.

The 24-year-old is currently owned by Fiorentina but was on loan at Belgian side Anderlecht last season.

Kouame scored 13 goals and added an impressive 10 assists in 36 games for the Jupiler Pro League outfit.

That has led to rumours that Fiorentina may try and cash in on his successful season. And that is where West Ham come in, according to Corriere dello Sport

The report from the Italian outlet claims the Hammers have made contact over a potential deal. That’s despite the Ivory Coast star’s overall stats not being anything to really write home about.

Kouame still a work in progress

Kouame has notched 27 goals and added 19 assists in 147 career games but has bags of potential.

Indeed, the forward almost joined London rivals Crystal Palace three years ago. That move only fell through after Kouame suffered a serious knee injury.

The young forward could also be used as a nice foil for Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, with his pace opening up more space for the West Ham frontmen.

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