West Ham United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Spartak Moscow striker Jordan Larsson as the Hammers look to strengthen their attacking options.
According to Fichajes.net, West Ham are allegedly interested in a January swoop for Spartak Moscow forward Jordan Larsson as David Moyes looks to add competition for his attacking players. The 24-year-old Swede is the son of legendary striker Henrik Larsson and is attracting interest from AC Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund.
After spending his formative years at Barcelona’s La Masia and Swedish outfit Högaborgs BK, Larsson had to swap several clubs across Sweden and the Netherlands before seemingly finding a home in Russia, signing for Spartak Moscow in 2019. The young Swede settled into Russian football seamlessly and produced 7 goals and 4 assists from 26 appearances in his debut campaign.
Last season was even more impressive for Larsson, as he netted 15 goals and provided 5 assists in just 29 Russian Premier League appearances building a reputation for goal-scoring prowess. His bright displays earned him a spot in the Swedish National side’s Euro 2020 squad, replacing an injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
His spectacular domestic form caught the attention of Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg, who stepped up with a formal bid but ultimately fell short of Spartak’s valuation. Larsson was apparently keen to test himself in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, but the transfer collapse has frustrated the player, whose contract at Otkritie Arena expires in June 2023.
However, the 24-year-old has struggled with fitness and form this season. He is yet to score or assist in the domestic league and has only one goal to his name, which came in his team’s 4-3 defeat against Leicester City. Although Spartak Moscow wanted to extend his deal for two or three years, those talks have taken a hit, and the Russian club are now open to a January sale if a reasonable offer comes around.
This situation has led to interest from suitors across the continent, including West Ham and Borussia Dortmund, who can return with proposals for the 7-time capped Swedish international come this January.
The Hammers are flying high in the Premier League so far this campaign and currently sit in the Champions League berths. There is no denying that they have a wealth of attacking quality on the pitch, but their ranks are thin in the striking department.
Despite being linked to numerous centre-forwards since Sebastien Haller’s departure to Ajax, they are yet to bring in a backup striker to complement their star man Michail Antonio. Signing a highly-rated forward as Jordan Larsson could prove to be a shrewd addition. At 23, he fits the Moyes’ recruitment profile of a young, talented and hungry player with loads of potential.
The Swedish attacker is very versatile, as he can play anywhere along the frontline. A relentless operator who excels at running channels to make extra room for his teammates, Larsson has the traits to be successful in Moyes’ system. With Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund and Celtic also interested in securing his services, it remains to be seen whether West Ham can land their target.
Hope not.