West Ham United are reportedly targeting former Crystal Palace player Alexander Sorloth as they seek a new center forward, according to talkSPORT. The club from east London is also aiming to offload Danny Ings to create both space and funds.
Last season, persistent availability issues with Ings and Michail Antonio meant that David Moyes often deployed Jarrod Bowen, primarily a right-winger, as the lone striker.
The uncertainty surrounding Bowen’s future has heightened the urgency for Julen Lopetegui and his team to secure a new prolific forward. Sorloth, currently playing for Villarreal in Spain, has emerged as a potential option.
West Ham are considering a move for Sorloth, who scored a total of 26 goals in 41 games last season, but any potential deal may hinge on the confirmation of Ings’ departure.
Despite Sorloth’s previous struggles in the English Premier League, where he failed to score in 16 appearances over two seasons at Selhurst Park, West Ham remains interested in him.
While Ings seems willing to stay and fight for his place at London Stadium, talkSPORT reports that Sorloth is among several potential targets this summer.
Villarreal has reportedly lowered their asking price for the 28-year-old Norwegian forward, known for his ability to unsettle defenders, to approximately £25.3 million, according to Corrierre Dello Sport.
Sorloth’s standout moment last season was scoring four goals against Real Madrid, contributing significantly to Villarreal’s pursuit of European football. His goal-scoring prowess could potentially upgrade West Ham’s attacking options, particularly given Antonio’s advancing age.
West Ham is also eyeing a summer move for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, previously admired by Chelsea, as they seek to relieve the goal-scoring burden on Bowen ahead of an important season under new manager Lopetegui, formerly of Real Madrid.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, revealed that West Ham has recently presented several proposals to Duran’s current club for the 20-year-old Colombian international.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth indicated that Duran has become West Ham’s primary target for bolstering their center forward position.
Despite Ollie Watkins’ rise as one of the Premier League’s top strikers, Duran has struggled for regular game time at Aston Villa since joining from Chicago Fire in January 2023.
