While progress stalls regarding the potential sales of Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd, West Ham United will be relieved to learn that the departure of Maxwel Cornet from the Premier League outfit should finally speed up in the coming days.
The much-coveted Mohammed Kudus changed his agents a few days ago; a less-than-subtle hint that he is determined to secure himself a big-money move away from the London Stadium.
While Chelsea failed to convince West Ham into taking Jadon Sancho in a potential swap deal and after Arsenal were warned not to waste their time offering £50 million, Kudus is set to return to Rush Green in a fortnight’s time when pre-season training gets underway.
Paqueta’s future will remain on the backburner until the outcome of his spot-fixing trial is revealed, meanwhile. As for the club’s seldom-seen £30 million centre-back, Roma appear to have cooled their interest in Nayef Aguerd.
At least things are moving forward for Maxwel Cornet, though.
Genoa set to step up chase for West Ham United winger Maxwel Cornet
Former Burnley and Lyon winger Maxwel Cornet appeared to say goodbye to Genoa last week, following a loan spell at the Serie A outfit in the second half of the campaign. This may have been less of a farewell, however, and more a ‘see you later’.
Genoa remain determined to bring Cornet back to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, after all.
Head coach Patrick Vieira was glowing in his praise for the West Ham misfit following his impressive and immediate impact at a team who dodged relegation pretty comfortably in the end.
Now, as Vieira stays at Genoa despite interest from Inter Milan, Ligurian-based publication Il Secolo XIX report that the Grifone are expected to slam their foot onto the accelerator in pursuit of a man who scored twice in seven Serie A appearances from January to May.
Genoa would rather extend Cornet’s loan, at this stage, rather than pursue a permanent deal for a man who cost £17 million following his terrific stint at Turf Moor.
Maxwel Cornet must accept a reduction on his £65,000-a-week salary, too. Either that, or West Ham may be forced to contribute a sizeable portion of his wages during a second spell at the Luigi Ferraris.
A timely boost has come Graham Potter’s way, at least, as Genoa add a cool £11 million to their coffers.
Albert Gudmundsson joins Fiorentina to free up Cornet funds
Genoa have officially completed the sale of Icelandic forward Albert Gudmundsson to Fiorentina.
Now, with £11 million burning a hole in their back pocket and with Vieira’s side planning to step up their pursuit of Cornet, West Ham now know that the Ivorian’s suitors have money at their disposal. Money to invest in a permanent deal, or to meet Cornet’s wage demands.
The former France Under-21 forward played only twice during an injury-ruined loan spell at Southampton in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign. Cornet then missed ten Serie A matches due to muscle issues.
Fortunately, Genoa appear keen to overlook a worrying fitness record.
“He came here with the desire to help the team,” former Crystal Palace, Nice and Manchester City academy coach Vieira said following Cornet’s arrival in the winter. “He wants to play. He misses the pitch.
“He is an ambitious boy and wants to return to the national team but to do so he must do well here. He is hungry for football and [has the] desire.”
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