They may have been relegated from the Premier League, but West Ham reportedly lead bitter rivals Spurs and Brighton in the chase for Switzerland World Cup star Ruben Vargas.
The Hammers are yet to make any new signings ahead of their first season in the second tier for 14 years.
But that is expected to change very soon with speculation ramping up over five West Ham targets after talks between Nuno Espirito Santo and Nils Koppen.
Given Tottenham Hotspur consigned West Ham to relegation to remain in the top flight and have been spending big to ensure it doesn’t happen again, one would assume a transfer tussle between the rivals right now would be rather one-sided.
Why West Ham lead Spurs and Brighton for Vargas
But the Hammers actually lead Spurs and Brighton for World Cup star Ruben Vargas.
After selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85m, Crysencio Summerville is expected to be the next big money sale by West Ham.
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Tottenham have actually been linked with the flying Dutchman, but Summerville has already given his answer to Spurs, as exclusively revealed by Hammers News.
West Ham are on the hunt for a replacement for Summerville, with the likes of Dwight McNeil and Abdul Fatawu linked.
Now Swiss star Vargas has emerged as a target to fill the Summerville void at the London Stadium.
And somewhat surprisingly, the Hammers actually lead the race to sign the winger from Sevilla, who helped Switzerland to the World Cup quarter-finals.
The reason why, according to Sevilla news site Orgullobiri, is simple – because West Ham have been the most persistent club in recent days to sign Vargas ahead of Spurs and Brighton.
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The report claims that a formal offer from West Ham is in the works and it won’t break the bank for Nuno’s considerable summer budget.
Because it is reported that Sevilla have set a price of £12.5m for the 27-year-old.
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Another factor in West Ham’s favour is that Vargas would be a guaranteed starter in east London whereas that would not be the case at Tottenham or Brighton, who have Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh on the wings.
Vargas had nine goal contributions in 20 starts for Sevilla last season.
Signing the Swiss star would be a major coup for the Hammers in the Championship.
As well as star quality and proven pedigree at the highest level, Vargas would bring pace, directness and valuable versatility to West Ham.
He is capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, which would give Nuno a host of tactical options.
Best known for driving at defenders, making intelligent runs in behind and exploiting space on the counter-attack, Vargas combines sharp acceleration with good close control, allowing him to beat opponents in one-on-one situations and create chances for teammates.
He is perfect for Nuno’s preferred counter-attacking system. While not prolific, Vargas does have an eye for goal and the Hammers could reasonably expect him to weigh in with his fair share in the Championship.
West Ham are in desperate need of mobility and attacking unpredictability, especially with Summerville leaving.
Vargas’ work rate off the ball is another attractive quality for Nuno, as he is willing to press and track back when required. At 27, Vargas is also entering his peak years, offering a blend of experience, proven international pedigree and the ability to make an immediate impact.
Let’s hope the Hammers can pull off a real coup, like they did when luring Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan to east London from the Premier League to lead their immediate return to the big time back in 2011-12.
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