Premier League side West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos.
According to the Mirror, West Ham United are targeting a centre-forward signing this summer and have identified New York City striker Valentin Castellanos as a potential signing among other options. The Hammers are currently leading the race for the Argentine forward, who is valued at £12.8 million.
David Moyes’ side only have Michail Antonio as their recognised striker and they must add another centre-forward to their ranks before the next season. The Hammers wish to continue fighting for European spots, as they have done in the past few seasons.
New York City FC’s Castellanos has emerged as a potential option for West Ham. The 23-year-old won the MLS Golden Boot last season, having scored 19 league goals in 32 matches, on top of providing eight assists. He has continued in a similar vein and has already added seven goals to his name in 10 league appearances.
Though he is under contract with the American club until 2025, he has reportedly informed the club that he would prefer a move this summer. Argentine giants River Plate are heavily interested in the attacker, but they could struggle to meet the MLS club’s valuation of £12.8 million.
Castellanos had openly admitted in March that he would prefer to play in Argentina with River Plate as it would help him contest for a spot in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the FIFA World Cup. Playing in his home country would have its advantage, and he believes playing in one of the biggest clubs in Argentina would ‘boost his chances’ of securing a World Cup berth.
“If the head coach of Argentina knew I was playing for River Plate, one of the biggest clubs in the country, it would boost my chances. The truth is that River has been in constant communication with me and my agent,” the striker said.
But River Plate’s reported inability to match New York City FC’s demands has put West Ham in the pole position to sign the Argentine. The quoted transfer fee shouldn’t be an issue for the Hammers, who have also shown interest in the likes of LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David and Hellas Verona’s Giovanni Simeone among many others.
