West Ham United have reportedly identified 27-year-old Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas as their latest target to bolster their attack.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Raul de Tomas is the subject of interest from West Ham United over a move in the January transfer window. The Hammers are eyeing the 27-year-old striker as a answer for their long-sought search for a striker.
Raul de Tomas spent most of his formative years with the most recognisable La Liga club in the world Real Madrid, having joined the club in 2004. However, the Spaniard could never really manage to establish a foothold in Los Blancos’ first-team setup despite excelling in their youth and reserves sides.
Instead, he was sent out on loan to three different clubs, impressing the most at Rayo Vallecano. A move to Benfica did not work out but he has been in fine touch since returning to La Liga by joining Espanyol and has started the 2021/22 season strongly, with three goals and an assist in eight games so far. And his progress seems to have attracted West Ham United to the 27-year-old striker.
West Ham have been in search of a striker for the better part of 2021, with the exit of Sebastien Haller leaving David Moyes with Michail Antonio as the only recognised striker at his disposal. While the 30-year-old is in the form of his life and has been a talismanic figure for the Hammers, it goes without saying that they need another centre forward.
Indeed, the added excursions of the UEFA Europa League is bound to increase the workload on the players, more so on someone like Antonio as the season progresses. That is why it is hardly a surprise that West Ham have turned their attention towards Raul de Tomas.
Apart from de Tomas, the east Londoners have also been linked with Youssef En-Nesyri, Mohamed Bayo and Alexandre Lacazette. However, it now looks like the 27-year-old striker has become a key target for West Ham, who will need to offer around €30 million to test Espanyol’s resolve.
Having said that, the Catalonian side are keen on holding on to de Tomas in the midst of a season wherein they will be fighting hard to retain their La Liga status. What now remains to be seen is if West Ham can manage to swoop the former Real Madrid striker away from the RCDE Stadium or if he stays put at Espanyol.