West Ham plot Premier League striker transfer raid after failing with £40m bid

18 November 2023 , 22:30

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West Ham want to sign Dominic Solanke (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

West Ham are set to revive their interest in Bournemouth frontman Dominic Solanke. The former Liverpool striker has netted six goals in 12 Premier League outings for the Cherries this term including an impressive brace in the 2-0 triumph over Newcastle last weekend.

West Ham saw a formal approach for Solanke knocked back by Bournemouth in late July but now they're ready to return to the table. Sources have previously suggested a bid worth up to £40million was rejected by the south coast club during last summer's transfer window.

David Moyes is itching to add another centre-forward to his eye-catching squad after failing to replace Gianluca Scamacca following his return to Italy with Atalanta. Danny Ings could also potentially depart in January if a suitable offer arrives, providing a replacement can be sourced.

Bournemouth, however, have little interest in losing their attacking talisman Solanke as they continue to battle the drop under Andoni Iraola. Solanke also has over three years left to run on his current contract at the Vitality Stadium meaning the Cherries are under no clear pressure to sell.

West Ham do have other targets on their radar, though. They include Feyenoord hot-shot Santiago Gimenez, who they have been tracking for some time. The 22-year-old Mexican has 15 goals in 15 outings for the Dutch champions this season and netted a brace on his Champions League debut against Lazio in late October.

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Feyenoord plan to keep Gimenez until at least the end of the current season and are expected to rebuff any January approaches. The former Cruz Azul forward is also attracting interest from a host of top clubs from around Europe.

Tottenham and Arsenal are among those to have scouted him this season alongside Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Lille's Jonathan David is another player to watch as he approaches the final 18 months of his contract in France. AC Milan are currently leading the race for the Canadian's signature and they intend to formalise their interest in the summer of 2024.

West Ham retain interest in Dominic Solanke (Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

While Moyes, who would prefer to sign a Premier League-proven striker, maintains faith in Michail Antonio, he is cautious of the fact the 33-year-old's playing time must be managed. That's precisely why Jarrod Bowen has operated as a No.9 at times following the £36m arrival of Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.

Kudus has injected new life into West Ham's frontline and he is now well on his way to nailing down a starting berth for the Irons. The 23-year-old has already struck 5 times in 15 appearances for the Hammers since his summer switch from the Eredivisie.

Ryan Taylor