West Ham United are reportedly ramping up their efforts to sign 23-year-old Botafogo attacker Igor Jesus, a target for Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Igor Jesus is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are intensifying their efforts to sign the Botafogo attacker, who will cost around £30 million. However, the East London club will face stiff competition from Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United.
The rapid rise of Igor Jesus at Botafogo
Igor Jesus has made considerable progress since joining Botafogo from Shabab Al-Ahli in the summer transfer window. A native of Cuiaba, the South American forward spent his formative years in Brazil and graduated from the youth division at Coritiba.
The 23-year-old hit the ground running after returning to Brazil, amassing eight goals and five assists in 31 appearances for Botafogo. Jesus played his part in a memorable campaign for Botafogo while earning his Brazil debut with his exploits. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting several well-known Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United.
A man in demand, soon to be Premier League-bound?
The Brazilian international has been on West Ham United’s radar for several weeks. The Hammers are scouring the market for a striker heading into the January transfer window after losing Michail Antonio to an injury he picked up in a freak accident. So, Jesus is a viable target, with West Ham ready to step up the interest in him.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Igor Jesus is understandable. The West London club failed to sign a striker in the summer transfer window apart from Marc Guiu. While Nicolas Jackson has stepped up this season and Guiu has been a revelation in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Chelsea can do with another option.
As for Fulham, with Raul Jimenez approaching the twilight of his career, the West London club can do with a young striker. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will likely part ways with Callum Wilson next year, with the Englishman struggling with fitness issues. So, Jesus is a viable target for Fulham and Newcastle United.
Botafogo will demand around £30 million to part ways with the 23-year-old Brazilian international next year. West Ham, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United should not have any qualms about coughing up £30 million to sign the South American attacker. So, it will be interesting to see if he lands in the Premier League next year.
