West Ham United are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Villarreal frontman Arnaut Danjuma.
According to 90 min, West Ham United are having double thoughts over their pursuit of Arnaut Danjuma. The Villarreal superstar was one of the club’s top attacking targets earlier in the summer, with the club even making an offer. But it appears the internal board is unsure of the player’s qualities and want to explore other options in the market.
Formerly of Bournemouth, Danjuma has been involved in a total of 20 goals in all competitions since joining La Liga club Villarreal last summer. Seven of his goal involvements came in the UEFA Champions League, with the 25-year-old forward playing a key role in helping the Yellow Submarine reach the semi-finals of the coveted competition.
In light of his success at Villarreal, Danjuma has had no shortage of suitors. Liverpool were keen on signing him in January, but they eventually settled for Luis Diaz. In recent weeks, West Ham had emerged as a potential destination, with David Moyes reportedly keen on securing the 25-year-old’s services.
In fact, the rumours of West Ham abandoning the pursuit of Danjuma refutes earlier suggestions of the club reportedly closing in on the capture of the Dutch international. It suggests the London club have had a late change of heart, in regards to their plans to sign the former Bournemouth starlet.
It could also be an indicator of West Ham’s conservative policy in the market. After spending a fortune on Nayef Aguerd, the Hammers are unlikely to spend too much on their attacking targets this summer. Danjuma, to that end, was always going to be a gamble, with Villarreal valuing him at around €45 million.
With the 25-year-old Dutchman out of the equation, Moyes has advised the club to zero in on other alternatives. Jesse Lingard, for one, has emerged as the priority target as Moyes looks to bring the Englishman back to the London Stadium following his earlier success in London.
Lingard is available as a free agent in the summer after seeing out his contract with Manchester United. Another potential attacking target for West Ham is Italian whizkid Gianluca Scamacca, although the Londoners are unlikely to meet his €45 million price tag.
