West Ham Only ‘One Step Away’ from Signing 130-Goal Striker

West Ham recently announced their eighth signing of the summer, bringing in Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Despite this, the Hammers are actively working on securing additional signings.

However, these potential deals hinge on West Ham offloading two or three players, including high-earner Kurt Zouma, in the coming weeks.

For the past month, West Ham has been engaged in on-and-off negotiations with Aston Villa over the signing of striker Jhon Duran.

Nonetheless, technical director Tim Steidten and manager Julen Lopetegui have turned their attention to veteran forward Niclas Fullkrug as an alternative option.

There is considerable speculation that West Ham might sign both Fullkrug and a younger, pacey forward to bolster their attack.

Sources within the club have confirmed that West Ham could potentially make up to three additional signings, provided they can move on at least three current players.

Fullkrug, however, has a history of serious knee injuries, and there are concerns about the depth of West Ham’s attacking options.

The club is looking to offload Danny Ings, and Michail Antonio, who is injury-prone and will turn 35 next season.

Any deals that West Ham might secure before the transfer window closes on August 30th would likely be structured as loans with an obligation or option to buy.

In addition to Duran, West Ham has also been linked with long-time target Tammy Abraham.

The Hammers had shown interest in Abraham when he was at Chelsea, but the Blues’ high asking price led him to join Roma instead.

New reports from Italy suggest that West Ham is now just one step away from signing Abraham.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham is planning to bring in another center forward and has turned to Abraham after failing to reach an agreement with Villa for Duran.

Journalist Andrea Pugliese claims that Roma is willing to sell Abraham and that the player is already considering the move.

All that remains is for West Ham to make an official offer meeting Roma’s £21 million plus add-ons valuation, which is expected to be accepted.

The report indicates that Roma would readily accept an offer in the region of £25.5 million (€30 million) or £21 million plus £4 million in add-ons.

This influx of funds would allow Roma to pursue their own transfer targets. The report states, “After trying for a long time with John Duran, the Colombian from Aston Villa, in London they are turning to Abraham, to have a pair of attackers who can make them forget the disappointments of last year (9th place in the Premier League).”

The final step in the potential West Ham deal with Roma is making a formal offer. Roma values Abraham at £25.5 million, but they would consider an offer of £21 million plus £4 million in add-ons.

The money from the sale could help Roma complete their squad for De Rossi, and Abraham is seen as a player who can bring significant liquidity to the club.

If West Ham were to move forward, Roma would have the funds to close other deals, possibly bringing in a reserve center-forward on loan.

It remains to be seen whether Roma would accept a loan with an obligation or option to buy, similar to the deal West Ham did with Nice for Jean-Clair Todibo.

This situation is one to watch in the final two weeks of the transfer window, as West Ham fans anticipate last-minute deals.

One major hurdle for West Ham is offloading Danny Ings. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that while West Ham is keen on bringing in a new striker, Ings is reluctant to leave the club.