West Ham United appear to have firmed up their interest in Villarreal starlet, Arnaut Danjuma, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
What’s the word?
Writing on Twitter about the 25-year-old’s future, the transfer guru has set pulses racing back at the London Stadium after revealing that the Hammers are “in talks” to sign the highly-rated Netherlands international this summer.
Should West Ham sign Danjuma?
Romano stated: “West Ham are progressing in talks with Villarreal to sign Danjuma. Work in progress for bit less than €45m, West Ham want him to be one of their statement signings. Personal terms, not discussed yet.
“Villarreal are prepared to sign Umar Sadiq as replacement.”
This follows a report from The Guardian earlier this week that revealed that the east London outfit had made an approach for the former Bournemouth man, with the player set to be available for a fee in the region of £40m owing to a release clause in his current deal with the La Liga side.
One concern, however, will be the issue regarding personal terms, with a further update from Romano on Thursday morning suggesting that it could prove a sticking point.
Supporters will love it
The rise of the six-cap gem illustrates just how quickly fortunes can change in the life of a footballer, with Danjuma having gone from a bit-part player with the Cherries to a much-coveted world-beater in the space of just two years.
There may be some concern that the one-time Club Brugge man failed to mark his mark in his sole Premier League campaign to date – making just six starts at the Vitality Stadium during the 2019/20 season – although his form since has showcased just what a talent he truly is.
Having plundered 17 goals and seven assists in the Championship the following season, the £45m-rated ace was snapped up by the Spanish outfit last summer, going on to enjoy a blistering debut season under Unai Emery.
With 20 goal involvements to his name in all competitions, the £25k-per-week speedster was particularly impressive in the club’s shock run to the last four of the Champions League, notably netting against the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus en route to the semi-final.
The Nigerian-born starlet is now arguably one of the most effective and most dynamic forwards on the continent, ranking in the top 15% for dribbles completed and progressive carries among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area.
A versatile asset who can lead the line; play off the front or wreak havoc from a left-wing berth, the 5 foot 11 menace would provide David Moyes with a real fluid attacking option.
Amid frustrations over the lack of a marquee arrival in recent times – particularly in terms of centre-forward recruits – Danjuma’s arrival would do more than ease those concerns, with supporters set to be thrilled if GSB can pull off such a statement signing.
As the player himself admitted recently, he’s got “unfinished business” back in England…
AND in other news, GSB could unearth dream Noble heir as West Ham plot bid for “fabulous” £15m talent
