West Ham United are preparing to swoop in for Sevilla frontman Youssef En-Nesyri after closing in on their first deal of the summer. Technical director Tim Steidten needs to be fully convinced about the structure of a potential deal before heading to the negotiating table for En-Nesyri.
West Ham United are preparing to up the ante in their pursuit of Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri as head coach Julen Lopetegui has set his sights on landing a new first-choice striker after closing in on his first signing since heading into the London Stadium dugout, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Hammers are on the verge of completing the acquisition of Brazil international central defender Fabricio Bruno, thanks to agreeing a deal worth up to £15million with Flamengo, but the east Londoners remain keen to make further improvements to their squad after missing out on European qualification for next season.
Lopetegui has wasted no time in holding discussions with Tim Steidten over plans for the fast-approaching summer transfer window after the technical director has been handed more control over West Ham’s recruitment drive, and En-Nesyri is firmly in their sights as a potential arrival.
West Ham are set to follow up their early move for Bruno by stepping up their interest in En-Nesyri, according to GMS sources, after being pinpointed as one of the leading strikers Lopetegui and Steidten are keen to explore a move over ahead of the Spanish tactician’s first campaign at the helm.
The Hammers are keen to make inroads quickly as they want to conduct plenty of their planned business early, allowing the incoming head coach to have more time to work with his new squad during pre-season, while the former Wolverhampton Wanderers chief is eager to be satisfied that he has all the tools he needs to work effectively.
En-Nesyri has previously flourished under Lopetegui, having found the back of the net 36 times over the course of 115 appearances when they worked together at his current employers Sevilla, and he would provide Michail Antonio with stiff competition for a regular starting berth if he heads to the capital.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season compared to Michail Antonio
Although GMS sources understand that Steidten needs to be fully convinced of the details of a deal for the Morocco international, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by Lopetegui’s predecessor David Moyes, the fact that West Ham have tracked him for a prolonged period has resulted in him being firmly on their radar ahead of potentially swooping in.
The Hammers have been given optimism of being able to lure En-Nesyri away from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as Sevilla have already named their price, with it emerging that the La Liga outfit are open to cashing in if their demands for a fee in the region of £21million are met.
GMS sources recently revealed that Lopetegui’s appointment has boosted West Ham’s chances of recruiting the 26-year-old after a lengthy chase for his signature, while Bayer Leverkusen marksman Victor Boniface, Stuttgart frontman Serhou Guirassy and out-of-favour Chelsea man Armando Broja have also been earmarked as targets.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Youssef En-Nesyri went goalless over the course of his two appearances against West Ham United when the Hammers knocked Sevilla out of the Europa League at the last 16 stage two years ago
