West Ham United are allegedly not giving up on signing Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike before deadline day.
That’s according to a report from Le 10 Sport who claim that the Hammers have already lodged a €25 million (£21 million) offer for the 19-year-old forward.
There is a big problem though. If the West Ham owners are serious, they need to offer at least €40 million (£34 million) to Stade de Reims (News In 24).
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It must be said, paying out that kind of cash for a teenager will undoubtedly represent somewhat of a risk. In today’s market though, you’ve got to go big financially or risk losing out on elite talents.
Hammers boss David Moyes desperately needs to bolster his centre-forward ranks at the London Stadium before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.
West Ham need to get it right in the January transfer window. If we are to finish inside the top six again this season, at least two new additions will be vitally important. And it seems as though the East London outfit are determined to get one deal done in particular.
West Ham refuse to admit defeat in deadline day race to sign Ekitike
French media outlet Le 10 Sport claim that the Hammers are refusing to admit defeat in the race to sign the highly-rated French youngster.
It’s all well and good not admitting defeat, but in order to win, we need to cough up for Ekitike. Pay Reims what he’s worth, get the deal done and move on.
The fleet-footed forward is highly sought-after so if we’re not serious with matching Reims’ asking price, we will have no chance of signing him.
Moyes should be going all out for Ekitike, he really is an unbelievably talented young player.
Ekitike possesses blistering pace and has quite incredible movement. He is a defender’s nightmare. The Reims ace is a very good finisher as well.
In 20 games so far this season, the exciting teenager has bagged eight goals and four assists (Transfermarkt).
Ekitike is very similar to a young Thierry Henry. If he goes on to enjoy even half the success that the former Arsenal and Barcelona man did then he will be a seriously good signing for whichever club wins the race for his signature.
If Moyes manages to bring the 19-year-old to the London Stadium it would be an incredibly exciting piece of business for West Ham.
It’s clear to see that lowball bids will not get it done though. The Hammers owners need to pay Reims what they want for Ekitike or just not bother at all.
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