As fans grow concerned about the seemingly inevitable arrival of Callum Wilson at West Ham United, it would be premature to rule out Nice frontman Evann Guessand joining the Premier League outfit as well.
In truth, while the West Ham United supporters are not exactly thrilled about the news that former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has been offered a one-year deal at the London Stadium, the reaction will soften considerably if it is confirmed that he will inherit the role of an experienced back-up.
If Wilson is destined to be a supporting option behind a younger, faster, fitter centre-forward, well, suddenly things would not look quite so desperate.
West Ham scouted Evann Guessand during a terrific campaign in which he established himself as one of the most feared forwards in French football.
Hammers News were also informed back in May that both Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay are huge admirers of a man sitting right towards the top of their striker wishlist. The manager and the head of recruitment both believe Guessand possesses the technical and physical qualities to shine in English football.
Qualities Nice may struggle to replace.
Franck Haise knows West Ham United target Evann Guessand could leave Nice
Nice coach Franck Haise knew that Guessand would attract interest this summer. Les Aiglons have a habit of selling their star players too.
Jean-Clair Todibo joined the Hammers just last year, while Kephren Thuram, Amine Gouiri and Mario Lemina were also sold in recent times.
Veteran attacker Gaetan Laborde also left for Saudi Arabia this week. Haise is under no illusions that Guessand is likely to follow in his footsteps, though how literally that sentence proves to be remains to be seen.
After Neom SC tried to lure Mohammed Kudus to Saudi Arabia with a staggering £17 million-a-year deal, the Saudi Pro League newcomers have now joined West Ham in pursuit of France-born Ivory Coast international Guessand.
“With Gaetan leaving, given the number of matches to play and the fact that Terem [Moffi] hasn’t started a match for a year, we’ll need an attacking player, even if Evann stays,” Haise tells L’Equipe.
By the former RC Lens coach’s admission, there is perhaps only a one-in-ten chance of Guessand still wearing the red and black stripes come September 1st.
“As long as he’s here, I consider him a squad player and we’re working to ensure he performs well,” Haise adds. “[Albeit while] knowing that he’s heading towards a 90 per cent [chance of a] departure.”
Graham Potter has doubts as Callum Wilson talks continue
TBR Football reported a few days ago that, in addition to West Ham, Guessand has admirers at ambitious Premier League newcomers Sunderland and Leeds. Brentford are also keen, having banked an initial £65 million via the sale of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United.
In all competitions, the £22 million-rated Guessand scored 13 times while providing 10 assists last season.
“Guessand is a constant burst of energy,” French publication Maxifoot write. “[He possesses] an ability to break through defences thanks to his long runs and a sometimes astonishing ability to slip between two, three, four or even five opponents.”
The striker plan has been a source of much debate behind the scenes at the London Stadium recently, meanwhile.
A source close to the West Ham board told Hammers News this week that Graham Potter has reservations about signing a big-money centre-forward, presumably feeling that Niclas Fullkrug, Callum Wilson and the versatile Jarrod Bowen will be enough with reinforcements desperately needed in midfield.
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