West Ham target Serhou Guirassy as competition grows for the striker’s affordable £15 million release clause.
Stuttgart striker poised for summer switch following 28-goal season.
West Ham are eyeing a summer transfer for Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, as Julen Lopetegui seeks a new centre-forward to offer the firepower to kick off his stay.
Guirassy finished second behind Harry Kane in the battle for the Bundesliga golden boot, scoring 28 goals in as many league games for a Stuttgart team that overtook Bayern Munich on the last day to finish second to unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.
The Guinea international just joined Stuttgart permanently last summer after a successful loan spell from Koln, but he is likely to leave in the coming season, with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund also interested.
The 28-year-old’s contract has a £15 million release clause, and Stuttgart knows they will struggle to keep their prized asset even if they qualify for the Champions League next season.
Tim Steitden, West Ham’s technical director, has long admired the forward and is expected to have more control over acquisitions this summer after David Moyes’ departure.
Lopetegui, whose hiring as West Ham’s next manager is expected later this week, has agreed to collaborate with Steidten on recruitment following disagreements between the former Leverkusen director and Moyes.
West Ham have historically struggled to attract centre-forwards, with Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca failing to impress in east London before finding success elsewhere.
Jarrod Bowen was the club’s top scorer this season, with 20 goals across all competitions, demonstrating his versatility by stepping in at centre-forward for much of the year before Michail Antonio returned to fitness in the final stretch.
Antonio is thought to be part of Lopetegui’s plans, since the Spaniard attempted to sign the 34-year-old during his stint as Wolves manager, but there is agreement that the Hammers’ long-standing striker problem must be solved this summer.
The club will consider proposals for Danny Ings, but the former England international’s £125,000-a-week salary is likely to be a stumbling hurdle for any bidders.
Divin Mubama, a young striker who briefly threatened to break into the first squad earlier this season, is slated to leave when his contract expires next month.
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