West Ham United might have just missed out on one of the bargains of the transfer window.
West Ham have been distracted by focusing all their efforts on trying to sign prime striker target Maxi Gomez.
Latest reports claim the Uruguayan does not want to join West Ham.
And while Manuel Pellegrini’s attentions have been on the Celta Vigo forward another West Ham target has got away.
Hammers had Muriel hope
The Hammers had been given renewed hope of signing Colombian striker Luis Muriel.
West Ham have been linked with a move for the Sevilla forward for the last two windows.
And the Hammers were even credited with a keen interest back in 2017 too (The Sun).
The 28-year-old opted to join Fiorentina on loan last season instead of joining West Ham.
But Fiorentina elected not to sign the player permanently, opening the door for other interested clubs.
Italian side pounce
West Ham have not acted quick enough to catch a genuine bargain, though.
Because according to Sky Sports Italia, Atalanta have pounced to snap Muriel up for just £13million.
Muriel scored an impressive nine goals in 23 games playing alongside former West Ham midfielder Edimilson Fernandes last season.
He has a ratio of one in every three with 81 goals from 286 club career games.
Opportunity missed?
Pace and guile are his key attributes.
With West Ham desperate to sign at least one striker this summer this may prove to be an opportunity missed.
Muriel picked up a knee injury in a 2-0 Copa America victory over Brazil.
But it is only expected to keep him out until mid-July.
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