West Ham news: Conflicting reports put Danjuma deal in flux, as Moyes awaits response from second winger
Sources are differing with regards to the likelihood of Arnaut Danjuma signing for West Ham, while a contract offer for a second winger remains on the table, per reports.
The Hammers have already wrapped up deals for Alphonse Areola and Nayef Aguerd. Those two moves have cost a combined £41m. However, various reports have insisted the club’s summer business is far from over.
Indeed, signing a new striker and a wide forward are key aims for David Moyes. A player capable of filling the latter role is a man well known to West Ham fans – Jesse Lingard.
The 29-year-old will leave Manchester United as a free agent and Sky Sports stated the Hammers have lodged a contract offer.
That news surfaced on Sunday, though fast forward four days and the winger is reportedly yet to respond.
talkSPORT’s Alex Crook tweeted the ‘contract offer for Jesse Lingard remains on the table’.
That piece of information came amid a more pressing update on the club’s pursuit of Arnaut Danjuma.
The Dutchman, 25, can operate both centrally or out wide and his arrival would solve the issue of finding back-up for Michail Antonio.
Real issue in Danjuma talks cited
Danjuma excelled at Villarreal last season, plundering 16 goals in 34 appearances. Six of those strikes came in the Champions League.
The forward reportedly holds a £45m release clause within his contract. However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed talks have been ongoing for weeks regarding a lesser £34.3m offering.
Romano provided the latest on that front, claiming a deal is not close thanks to West Ham and Danjuma currently being far apart on personal terms.
Personal terms were described as the ‘real issue’ blocking a move. However, Romano did conclude West Ham ‘want’ Danjuma.
That is in stark contrast to the update from talkSPORT. Their reporter, Alex Crook, added in his tweet about Lingard that it’s ‘looking unlikely’ West Ham will continue to pursue Danjuma.
Said Benrahma facing axe
If West Ham are able to land one or both of Lingard and Danjuma, Said Benrahma could become the fall guy.
The Mirror reported Moyes is seeking greater consistency from his attacking players next season. Benrahma is deemed incapable of providing the steady levels Moyes requires, and has therefore been made available for transfer.
His sale will likely only be sanctioned if a suitable replacement arrives through the door first.
Lingard enjoyed the best form of his career while on loan with the Hammers in the 2020-21 campaign. Nine goals and five assists in just 16 games showed how explosive he can be.
Danjuma, meanwhile, has operated at around a goal every other game for two seasons between time at Bournemouth and Villarreal.
On paper at least, the pair would both provide the consistency Moyes seeks.
