West Ham eye up former Arsenal target to become Julen Lopetegui's second signing after Luis Guilherme

06/17/2024 04:14 AM

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is keen for a reunion with Youssef En-Nesyri at the London Stadium, talkSPORT understands.

We told you in May how the Hammers had reignited their interest in the 27-year-old having been long-term admirers of the Sevilla striker.

The east London outfit have made a number of attempts to prise the player away from Spain in recent transfer windows to no success.

But he could now become West Ham‘s second signing of the summer following the arrival of 18-year-old Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.

Lopetegui is fully aware of En-Nesyri’s talents having managed him at Sevilla from 2019-2022, with the pair winning the Europa League together.

And it is believed that the ex-Malaga man would be willing to following the Spaniard to the Premier League.

En-Nesyri has just one year left on his deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, making him an attractive option for West Ham.

Bringing in a new centre-forward is a top priority for Lopetegui, as he looks to provide genuine competition for Michail Antonio up top.

And En-Nesyri could be that man having proven himself in Spain to be a deadly finisher having banged in 73 goals in 196 games in all competitions.

Only five players scored more in Spain’s top-flight than En-Nesyri last campaign, where he found the back of the net on 16 occasions in 33 outings.

Arsenal had been keen on securing his services five years ago after firing in nine LaLiga goals for Leganes during the 2018/19 season.

It was reported at the time how the Gunners were in pole position to nab him, but he remained at Leganes, before joining Sevilla in the 2020 winter window.

En-Nesyri was then tipped as a possible replacement for Alexandre Lacazette in 2022, however Mikel Arteta opted instead to bring in Gabriel Jesus.

But he could now finally be heading to England as West Ham look to revamp their squad in their bid to return to Europe.