Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to blow West Ham out of the water for brilliant forward Joshua Zirkzee.
West Ham simply must sign a new striker in the summer but Aston Villa may put a spanner in the works.
Hammers boss David Moyes admitted last week that he still deeply regrets missing out to Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins.
Michail Antonio has been an unbelievable servant for West Ham.
But the prospect of Watkins leading the line of an exciting Hammers attack containing Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus is mouthwatering.
West Ham targeting striker but so are Villa
Given Villa have Watkins it is perhaps somewhat surprising to hear Unai Emery is in the market for a forward this summer too.
West Ham will likely be flush with cash as it is expected Lucas Paqueta will be sold to Man City in a deal worth £85m providing the FA case against him is concluded favourably.
But Aston Villa are prepared to blow West Ham out of the water for brilliant forward Joshua Zirkzee it seems.
West Ham were linked with a move for talented Dutch forward Zirkzee back in January last year and again in the summer.
The flying Dutchman in sights of Premier League rivals
But he ended up leaving Bayern Munich for Serie A side Bologna as a replacement for ex Hammers star Marko Arnautovic.
Top transfer specialist Simon Jones claimed Zirkzee was one of six names on West Ham’s striker shortlist back in January.
He remained at Bologna where he has 11 goals and three assists this season but has impressed with his physical and aggressive play.
There’s bad news for David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten, though, it seems.
Because reports in Italy claim Aston Villa are willing to pay as much as £60m for the Dutchman.
In fact Il Resto del Carlino newspaper claim Aston Villa have already been in contact with agent Kia Joorabchian to discuss a move to the Premier League.
Villa prepared to blow Hammers out of the water for Zirkzee
“They would be able to pay the full €60-70m (£50-60m) asking price, especially if they qualify for the Champions League, and can blow past the current €2m (£1.7m) per season salary cap at Bologna by doubling that wage,” the report states.
West Ham are said to be willing to spend as much as £50m on a striker this summer.
But it seems the Hammers may have to explore alternatives – especially if Villa make the Champions League.
Hard-working Zirkzee has all the attributes to fit Moyes’ system.
The manager’s future at West Ham is uncertain, though, muddying the water further still.
Villa may not necessarily have a clear path to sign Zirkzee, though.
Bayern Munich still have a buy-back clause in his contract worth €40m (£30m).
It is entirely possible the Germans could activate that to then sell Zirkzee on at a profit. Or elect to keep him.
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