West Ham United have looked at Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window.
What’s the word
That is according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, whose report was relayed via YouTube channel The Football Terrace.
Can West Ham sign Gabriel Jesus?
On the possibility of Jesus leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, Jacobs said: “Arsenal are very much interested, there isn’t much substance to the Chelsea links, Newcastle have circled in the past.
“West Ham have looked at him, but they’re more likely to try and get Armando Broja from Chelsea for a lower fee, so Arsenal can consider themselves in the mix for this deal.”
Supporters surely excited
With West Ham’s willingness to let players go this summer, having seen six players depart including the retiring Mark Noble, the Hammers will be looking to make some astute signings to integrate within David Moyes’ tight-knit squad.
Michail Antonio is the only natural centre-forward at the club, which is ironic considering his earlier spell as a wing-back just a few seasons ago. Therefore, more depth is needed in that position, and quality depth at that amidst the Irons’ recent European adventures.
Following the arrival of Erling Haaland, Jesus may have fears over his game-time at City; and with just a year left on his contract, the Premier League champions may decide to cash in this summer whilst they still can.
Whilst Arsenal and Chelsea have been mentioned, the claim that West Ham have also looked at Jesus bodes well for their transfer intentions this summer.
A player of his esteem could come in and operate as an inside forward for Moyes, leaving Antonio as the sole striker. However, it would of course enable the Scotsman to comfortably deploy a strike partnership between the pair in a system which utilises two strikers, effectively offering tactical flexibility to the Irons boss.
With 17 goal returns in 28 appearances this season in the Premier League in the form of eight goals and nine assists, there seems little doubt that Jesus would relish being a talismanic figure in Moyes’ side.
There’s no guarantee that it would work out, of course, but if West Ham are serious about their progression as a club and truly challenging for Champions League football, they must be audacious enough to try and pull off signings of this calibre.
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