West Ham United are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in the next few hours, according to Charlie Gordon of the Daily Express.
The Hammers have made inquiries about the Argentine international this week, but La Liga side Real Betis currently lead the race for his signature.
Aston Villa is also interested in Lo Celso if his move to Spain does not materialize, and West Ham will be monitoring the situation closely.
This summer, the Hammers have already strengthened their squad by signing Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining on loan.
However, manager Julen Lopetegui is still looking to bolster his attacking options following Said Benrahma’s departure, making Lo Celso a late target.
The 28-year-old Spurs midfielder is not in the plans of manager Ange Postecoglou, and while a return to La Liga might be attractive, staying in the Premier League could appeal more, with West Ham eager to offer him that opportunity.
Last season, Lo Celso started just four league games for Tottenham and came off the bench 18 times, suggesting that West Ham could provide him with more regular playing time.
Lo Celso brings quality and valuable experience that West Ham could benefit from in attack, especially given his versatility in playing anywhere in the final third—a trait that Lopetegui values.
The Argentine has made 77 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists, along with 12 goals and nine assists in 70 La Liga matches.
Staying in London to continue his career is an option Lo Celso might consider, but whether the Hammers can convince him to choose them over Betis and Villa remains to be seen.
