West Ham United are reportedly interested in Ollie Watkins as David Moyes eyes a quality striker to lead the line ahead of the next season.
According to The Guardian, West Ham United are interested in Ollie Watkins with a summer move mooted to the London Stadium. A transfer would depend on the Londoners’ ability to match Aston Villa’s asking price, expected to be around the £50 million mark.
West Ham United endured a tiring season with a thin squad at David Moyes’ disposal. The Hammers have progressed well in most competitions they played in this campaign, and have achieved good success considering their lack of squad options.
At one point this season, they were in pole position to finish in the Champions League places, but they faltered with a tired squad. Moyes will be keen to solve those issues and bring in a striker to ease the burden on Michail Antonio.
Moreover, Antonio is 32 and may not be able to play each game from next season, as he showed signs of fatigue after featuring heavily in all competitions. Moyes wants a striker who provides a different dimension to the team compared to the Jamaican international, and they have shown interest in plenty of names.
Eddie Nketiah is a key target for West Ham United with the Hammers reportedly in pole position to complete a free transfer for the Arsenal striker. It may still depend on the forward, though, as the Gunners are preparing a final contract offer to keep him at the Emirates. Other names are mentioned, such as Armando Broja, although Chelsea’s ownership issues may complicate any deal for the forward.
West Ham United are now looking at a quality alternative in Ollie Watkins, with Aston Villa bracing themselves for offers in the summer. Arsenal have also previously shown interest in the striker, although have since moved on to other targets such as Gabriel Jesus and Darwin Nunez.
West Ham are reportedly keen on the 26-year-old England international, who has had an indifferent season, scoring only 10 goals. Yet, his physical profile and style of play come closest to West Ham’s requirement for a competitor for Antonio.
Villa paid around £28 million to acquire Watkins from Brentford and will look to make a profit on their investment. The Midlands club are seeking at least £50 million, which begs the question about West Ham’s ability to match the valuation.
While Moyes is expected to be backed by the club significantly to strengthen the squad, the idea of splashing £50 million or more on one player remains in question. The Hammers’ ability to offer European football remains a big attraction for potential targets, and if this lures in Watkins remains to be seen.
