West Ham United are reportedly in pole position to sign Blackburn Rovers’ Chilean frontman Ben Brereton Diaz in the coming season.
According to a report from The Sun, West Ham United are leading the chase to sign Ben Brereton Diaz. The Blackburn Rovers striker has become a transfer priority, having left David Moyes impressed with his qualities in the final third. West Ham have already sent scouts to watch the striker closely in action, with an eye for a potential move in the summer.
The report suggests Brereton is only expected to cost around £15 million this summer. But the Hammers could face stiff competition from a host of top clubs across England, as the likes of Crystal Palace, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion had expressed the desire to sign the frontman in the past.
Formerly a member of the Stoke City academy, Brereton has been one of the rising stars in the Championship this season. After an impressive campaign in Copa America last summer, the Chilean international has taken his game to a whole new level this term, emerging as one of the most lethal goalscorers in the competition.
After scoring just league seven goals during the 2020/21 campaign, the Chilean has netted as many as 22 this season. He has been the main difference-maker for Blackburn upfront, using his positional sense and tactical versatility to make life difficult for the opposing defenders.
However, despite Brereton’s best efforts, Blackburn have not been able to secure a playoff finish in the Championship this season. It could compel the attacker to leave the club, in favour of a move to the Premier League, with West Ham among the clubs interested in securing his services this summer.
The Hammers are currently in the market for a proper goalscorer. West Ham have appeared far too reliant on the services of Michail Antonio, who himself has appeared inconsistent in front of goal on many occasions.
The addition of Brereton could thus serve as a breath of fresh air for West Ham. The Chilean international can offer competition to Antonio in the number nine role, while he is capable of operating out wide if required. It could open up countless tactical possibilities for Moyes.
A fee of £15 million is barely a pinch for a club West Ham, meaning Brereton could be nothing short of a bargain for the Hammers. However, with a host of other clubs also interested in securing his services, it remains to be seen whether the Londoners succeed in the race to sign the Blackburn star.
