There has been a Tete twist for West Ham after an Arsenal claim and David Moyes would be mad to turn down a big chance.
West Ham were linked with Tete last season when he was made available in a special FIFA loophole window following the Russian aggression in Ukraine – where he was playing for Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Brazilian attacker had also been linked with West Ham’s London rivals Arsenal. But in the end but he actually signed for Lyon and played against West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final – which West Ham won 4-1 on aggregate.
His fellow Brazilian Lucas Paqueta also played for Lyon in that tie and was linked with the Hammers and the Gunners in the summer before Moyes made him his record £51m signing at the London Stadium.
That move has failed to ignite for Paqueta or the club as yet with West Ham languishing just two points off the bottom of the table.
Meanwhile Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League.
As a result both clubs are being linked with January reinforcements for very different reasons.
West Ham need to address their major concern of not scoring enough goals having managed just 13 all season, the joint third worst in the Prem.
Many feel Arsenal, without Gabriel Jesus for another two months at least, need more depth to sustain their surprise title charge.
There was a major blow for West Ham recently when Arsenal were said to have been offered Tete by Lyon.
The 22-year-old has bagged seven goals and eight assists in 24 games for Lyon since joining them in March. And he racked up 31 goals and 15 assists in 108 games for Shakhtar prior to that (Transfermarkt).
With Arsenal in the reckoning the reality is West Ham would face an impossible task to sign him.
But there has been a Tete twist for West Ham after the Arsenal claim and Moyes would be mad to turn down a big chance.
Moyes has stated he will not be looking to get heavily involved in the January market.
A report yesterday claimed the Scot will be looking to be ‘opportunistic’ with loan signings.
And according to Claret and Hugh and 90min, Tete has actually been offered to West Ham on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
The reports state Tete looks set to be on his way as Lyon boss Laurent Blanc is willing to sanction a move.
West Ham have been contacted directly while Prem rivals Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs are also mentioned.
It would be the perfect deal for West Ham given Moyes’ apparent reluctance to do any big money deals.
And with Arsenal looking to spend big on another Shakhtar talent – Mykhailo Mudryk – West Ham will now fancy their chances.
Tete possesses skill and pace in abundance and could potentially help get the best out of compatriot Paqueta.
If Lyon are offering him on a plate, Moyes should be gobbling it up.
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