Graham Potter is said to be plotting a big squad revamp in the summer at West Ham, and the same can be said for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta at The Emirates.
West Ham and Arsenal are on completely different trajectories right now.
The Hammers have a long and most probably painful rebuild ahead of us, whilst the Gunners are bang in the midst of their third consecutive Premier League title race.
Arsenal have much more disposable cash than us as well.
So when the two clubs come face-to-face in the race for new signings, there’s usually only one winner.
And it seems like that will be the case once again this summer.
Arsenal to challenge West Ham for Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike is on the Hammers’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
However, that same report claims that Arsenal have entered the race to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt as well.
And to rub salt into the wounds, the Bundesliga side are said to be demanding £60 million for the 22-year-old striker (Evening Standard).
So not only are Arsenal now challenging us for the Frenchman’s signature, but Frankfurt have slapped an extortionate price-tag on his head as well.
That really is a major double blow for the Hammers.
Described as ‘unbelievable’ by Sky Sports, Ekitike would be an absolutely perfect signing for the Hammers, what with his explosive pace, incredible movement and prolific finishing ability.
However, the Gunners’ interest in signing him will make it extremely hard for West Ham to win the race for his signature.
West Ham have left it far too late to sign Hugo Ekitike
The Hammers should have signed the 22-year-old three years ago.
He was actually attainable for us then, but the competition for his signature means that bringing him to the London Stadium now will be nigh on impossible.
Had West Ham signed Hugo Ekitike from Reims in 2022 for around £20-25 million, we would now be able to made a major profit on him.
And that kind of money is really needed right now, with Potter planning a big summer rebuild at the London Stadium.
The Hammers owners have to learn that signing young players from foreign leagues isn’t always the risk they make it out to be.
In fact, it’s a far better business model for the long-term than the one they currently operate.
West Ham missing out on Hugo Ekitike to Arsenal this summer would really hurt.
However, we only have ourselves to blame that he’s not already a Hammers player.
0 Comments