Dutch striker Vincent Janssen is desperate to complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur. He has also attracted interest from Arsenal, but West Ham United are trying to tempt the player with a €20 million bid.
22-year-old Dutchman Vincent Janssen shot into the limelight after an international friendly in March where he played a crucial role in the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over the Three Lions, scoring a goal and setting up another. Since then, a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping tabs on the central striker.
The latest addition to this list is West Ham United, who are looking to make some key signings before their move to the Olympic Stadium next year. The Hammers have had an overwhelming season under manager Slaven Bilic, and after seeing a €47 million bid for French striker Alexandre Lacazette turned down, they have now turned their attention to Janssen.
According to Dutch publication Der Telegraaf, West Ham have offered a €20 million bid to Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar for the young striker. However, the report goes on to state that Janssen has his heart set on a switch to Tottenham Hotspur and will reject a move to any other club.
Spurs have already entered the race for the striker, by making a €17 million bid and offering 15 times the Dutchman’s current salary. Janssen remains frustrated in his attempts to secure a move away though, as club director Max Huberts has rejected Tottenham’s offer. This leaves the door open for West Ham, who are believed to be willing to come back with a better offer.
Janssen has been prolific for AZ Alkmaar in their fourth-placed Eredivise finish last season. The striker scored 29 goals and registered 4 assists in 43 appearances for the club in all competitions. His domestic form earned him a call-up to the Netherlands national team where he rose to the occasion and notched up 3 goals in 5 international games.
The Dutchman is a pure central striker and a clinical finisher, and ended the season as the top scorer in the Eredivisie. However, the transition from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a very difficult one — exemplified by the failure of Memphis Depay at Manchester United. In the current transfer market, the 22-year-old does represent a good buy, with the price tag sure to be under €25 million.