There’s bad news for Chelsea as West Ham ramp up a move for a star Jude Bellingham says ‘not many players can stop’.
Chelsea and West Ham have shared a fair few column inches during the summer transfer window so far.
Both the Hammers and Blues are on the hunt for a striker.
If the Irons were far too reliant on Jarrod Bowen for goals last season then so too were Chelsea when it comes to Cole Palmer – who Karren Brady revealed almost joined West Ham last summer.
New head coaches are in place at the London Stadium and Stamford Bridge with Julen Lopetegui and ex Hammers assistant Enzo Maresca taking up the reins.
That of course will mean a new style of football, new ideas and – key to all that – new players.
West Ham move for star Bellingham loves
It is widely known that West Ham technical director Tim Steidten came close to joining Chelsea to work with good friend Thomas Tuchel.
And it seems Chelsea are keeping close tabs on players Steidten is allegedly targeting.
Already this window the Blues have jumped on West Ham interest in Jonathan David and Samu Omorodion.
That’s after trying to hijack West Ham’s move for Mohammed Kudus last summer.
Both clubs have also been linked with Villa’s Jhon Duran.
Now there’s bad news for Chelsea as West Ham make a move for a star Jude Bellingham loves.
Hammers want to beat Chelsea to Adeyemi
When it comes to knowledge of the Bundesliga, clubs will be hard pressed to outwit West Ham’s resident German Steidten.
The east Londoners have confirmed to Hammers News that West Ham’s current priority is to sign a new forward.
That has actually seen the Irons linked with Chelsea outcast Armando Broja.
Back at the end of May it was suggested that the mystery Premier League club who had enquired about signing Karim Adeyemi might be West Ham.
Transfer listed Borussia Dortmund striker Adeyemi is one of the quickest players in Europe.
And he perfectly fits the profile of player Steidten is looking to bring to West Ham.
But no sooner had the Hammers been linked than Chelsea were said to be ready to scupper Steidten’s plans by bringing Adeyemi to Stamford Bridge instead.
Now transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has revealed that new Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin has told Adeyemi he can definitely leave.
And Bailey has revealed West Ham are trying to beat the likes of Chelsea and Spurs to the star.
Jet-heeled German would be another big coup for Steidten
Adeyemi was one of the most coveted young stars in world football when Borussia Dortmund snapped him up from RB Salzburg in 2022 for around £30 million.
His former teammate Bellingham stated ‘not many players can stop’ Adeyemi.
But the 22-year-old has failed to build on his undoubted promise with just 14 goals in 65 appearances for Dortmund since.
Adeyemi started just 10 games in the Bundesliga last season, scoring three goals and adding one assist.
The young forward’s two biggest assets are pure pace and finishing.
Steidten has made it clear that versatility is a key attribute West Ham are looking for in this summer’s signings.
And Adeyemi, who recently left his agent in a bid to secure a move this summer, can play on the left wing as well as up front as a central striker – two positions West Ham are looking to strengthen.
With West Ham focused on signing a forward right now and the club refusing to meet Villa’s asking price for Duran, the move for Adeyemi could have legs.
Especially as he would be guaranteed much more game time at West Ham than he would at Chelsea.
It certainly seems like one to watch in the coming days and weeks.
