West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham hear stances may have changed after reviving pursuit of Youssef En-Nesyri

Youssef En-Nesyri playing for Sevilla

West Ham United could be back in the hunt for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, according to reports in Spain.

West Ham recently made their first signing of the summer transfer window. Nayef Aguerd has arrived to strengthen their defence. But at the opposite end of the pitch, there remains a glaring need for a new striker.

To put things into context, West Ham sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January 2021. They never signed a replacement and now Haller is seemingly close to a move to Borussia Dortmund. Hence, he could have moved on again before his former club ever filled the void he left.

Michail Antonio has been leading the line as usual for David Moyes’ side. They do not really have any other recognised strikers, though, even if Jarrod Bowen has become a reliable goal getter from out wide.

Hence, it would not be surprising if West Ham want to recruit a centre-forward ahead of the new season. In that regard, they are being linked once again with En-Nesyri.

The Hammers reportedly made an offer to Sevilla for his services in the same window they sold Haller. Now, rumours are growing that they are back in the hunt.

According to ABC Sevilla, after recent claims of a similar nature from AS, West Ham would be interested in making a new attempt to sign En-Nesyri.

Aguerd’s Morocco teammate suffered a decline in fortunes last season. Missing 12 games through injury, En-Nesyri scored just five goals in La Liga, in contrast to the 18 he managed the term before.

Therefore, Sevilla may be more open to a sale now than they were before. Even though his contract in Spain runs until 2025, West Ham might fancy their chances.

There are a couple of forwards Sevilla are trying to get rid of before En-Nesyri. But if the right offer comes along, perhaps West Ham would be able to take him.

A move to the Premier League may also be something En-Nesyri could give fresh consideration to after seeing former clubmate Diego Carlos tread a similar route to Aston Villa. Jules Kounde is also linked with a move from Sevilla to an English club, Chelsea.

Striker signing a must for West Ham this summer amid En-Nesyri links

Whether they can get En-Nesyri in or someone else, West Ham’s next focus must be on getting a new marksman.

Especially with another European campaign on the horizon, squad depth is important in all areas – but especially up front.

Antonio will not be around forever and there is a chance they could lose Bowen at some point. Therefore, they need to safeguard themselves by adding a missing piece of the puzzle.

Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko celebrate for West Ham

Given En-Nesyri’s downturn in form, there may be doubts if he is the man to lead their line. Alternatively, it could have played into their hands by increasing the availability of a striker who was prolific in 2020-21.

There are other options on the West Ham shortlist. But getting a new striker is essential if they want to keep challenging the traditional top six.

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