West Ham United could face competition from Fulham for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The newspaper reported in their print edition (20 August, pg 54) that following Alexsandar Mitrovic’s £42.7million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the Cottagers are once again in the market for a forward.
PSG are listening to offers for the 21-year-old who will cost over £30million, but the Hammers will have to compete with Fulham and Everton for the youngster.
While West Ham is an appealing destination for players looking to make the leap to the Premier League, they face a genuine threat from Marco Silva’s side for Ekitike.
Everton does not feel like a likely destination for the youngster as the £30million-plus price tag seems out of the Toffees’ price range, but the Hammers and the Cottagers would certainly have the cash to splash.
While West Ham is an appealing destination for players looking to make the leap to the Premier League, they face a genuine threat from Marco Silva’s side for Ekitike.
Everton does not feel like a likely destination for the youngster as the £30million-plus price tag seems out of the Toffees’ price range, but the Hammers and the Cottagers would certainly have the cash to splash.
Fulham will be much more keen to get the deal done now that Mitrovic has departed and with the money from his sale, they could make a real push to sign Ekitke if they want him.
However, amid uncertainty regarding West Ham’s attacking line, the Hammers could make the push if they see Ekitike as a viable option.
Ekitike got a fair amount of game time for PSG last season when on loan from Rennes with 25 appearances in Ligue 1, but the 21-year-old could make the switch to the Premier League as he is unlikely to be a regular in Paris.
West Ham could be a more exciting destination for him due to their qualification for the Europa League, but Fulham’s successful league campaign last season makes them perhaps a more reliable choice.
For Fulham, however, Ekitike would do very well to replace Mitrovic’s goals as he averages just 0.22 non-penalty goals per 90 [FBRef]. Perhaps a more proven goalscorer would be more suitable if they aim to break into European football themselves.
West Ham would be a more fitting option for the Frenchman, but they may have to act quickly if they want him.
