West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, is looking to build a squad and has identified Toney as a potential target.
West Ham could potentially be a destination for Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney this summer. Julen Lopetegui, having succeeded David Moyes, is set to build a squad that fits his vision and is expected to target a new striker, with Toney already linked to the London Stadium.
The Hammers are among several clubs monitoring Toney’s situation, with Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal also showing interest. Toney is anticipated to leave Brentford this summer as he seeks a new challenge. According to SportsLens, West Ham could be an option for Toney, contingent on certain conditions.
West Ham is also considering moves for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri and Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. However, Toney could become a viable option if Brentford lowers their asking price. Tottenham and Chelsea are also keen on Toney, but Chelsea is believed to be the only club willing to meet Brentford’s valuation of £50-60 million. Spurs are not prepared to exceed £45 million, while West Ham values Toney slightly below that figure.
Michail Antonio has been a valuable asset for West Ham, holding the club’s record for most Premier League goals with 67. Despite his past success, Antonio has struggled to score consistently in recent seasons, highlighting an area where West Ham could benefit from reinforcement.
Toney, with 36 goals in 85 Premier League appearances under Thomas Frank, would offer a more potent option in the final third. However, since returning from his ban in January, the 28-year-old has scored only four times in 17 appearances, which might be a concern for potential buyers.
In summary, while West Ham is interested in Toney, his move to the club depends on Brentford’s willingness to adjust their demands. The club is also exploring other striker options, and with competition from Chelsea and Tottenham, West Ham’s interest in Toney reflects their desire to bolster their attacking capabilities for the coming season.
