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West Ham set sights on signing “decisive” UCL winner in January bargain – report

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West Ham set sights on signing "decisive" UCL winner in January bargain - report

After a challenging start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a Champions League-winning star who could join them at a bargain price.

Despite a busy summer transfer window that saw the arrival of players like Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman, and Jean-Clair Todibo, the Hammers struggled early in Lopetegui’s tenure.

However, recent performances, including draws against Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion and a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, have sparked a turnaround, allowing Lopetegui to stabilize his position amid speculation about potential replacements such as Massimiliano Allegri.

With Lopetegui’s job seemingly secure for now, West Ham’s focus appears to have shifted to the January transfer window, where they could land a significant deal.

According to reports from Spain, the club is targeting Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech, who might terminate his contract with the Turkish side, becoming a free agent next month.

If completed, the deal would mark Ziyech’s return to the Premier League just six months after departing Chelsea. At 31, Ziyech may no longer be at the peak of his career, but securing a player of his caliber without a transfer fee is an opportunity West Ham may find hard to pass up. His return to London could also serve as a chance to make an impact against his former club, Chelsea.

Ziyech’s experience, including his role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph over Manchester City, could prove invaluable to West Ham’s ambitions.

While his time at Stamford Bridge had its ups and downs, Ziyech’s talent and personality were often highlighted, with former manager Thomas Tuchel once praising his attitude and growth during his Chelsea stint.

Bringing Ziyech back to the Premier League could be a bold move for West Ham, potentially adding quality and depth to their squad as they look to build on their recent resurgence.

“He was fantastic from day one. He was decisive in every single friendly game we played and he was decisive in the first competitive game, in the final against Villarreal.”

Kudus Transfer Race – Man City Lodge Low Ball Offer

Mohammed Kudus is reportedly on the market for £100m during the January transfer window, with Manchester City considering a £66.5m offer to test West Ham’s resolve, according to Fichajes. Although the Ghanaian international has an £85m release clause set to activate in the summer, West Ham’s limited transfer budget may force them to sell sooner, prioritizing the acquisition of a striker above all else.

To make the deal more appealing, City could include James McAtee as part of the package, either on loan or through a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old, who has accumulated just 333 minutes of playtime this season, is a versatile player highly regarded for his ability to operate in midfield or on the wing. With 16 caps for England’s U-21 team, McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and is keen to secure more regular first-team action, making a potential move to the London Stadium enticing.

City, previously linked to Lucas Paquetá, view Kudus as an “exceptional” attacking talent, with Pep Guardiola reportedly eager to add him to the squad to revitalize a team that has managed only one win in its last 12 matches. Kudus’s dynamic playstyle could inject much-needed energy into City’s attack.

For West Ham, selling Kudus could provide essential funds to pursue a much-needed striker, with only Niclas Füllkrug and Danny Ings currently available in their forward lineup. Sporting director Tim Steidten may shift focus to key targets like Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, valued at £30m, or Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

While Kudus expressed enthusiasm for West Ham after his goal in a recent 1-1 draw against Brighton, the lure of joining Manchester City could prove difficult to resist. However, any potential deal will depend on the final terms and West Ham’s ability to reinvest effectively.

City may face competition for Kudus, with Liverpool and Barcelona also rumored to be interested. Despite the growing speculation, Claret & Hugh reports that no formal bid has been submitted yet.

Ethan Blake

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English Premier League

Newcastle set to accept Atlanta United’s £10m for winger – report

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Newcastle set to accept Atlanta United's £10m for winger - report

Newcastle are preparing to accept Atlanta United’s £10 million offer for Miguel Almiron, with the transfer expected to be finalized soon, according to Mail Sport.

In contrast, the club has turned down a bid of over £6 million from Fenerbahce for defender Lloyd Kelly.

Progress on that deal appears unlikely unless the Turkish side significantly increases their offer.

Almiron, 30, is reportedly eager to return to his former club, and discussions are set to accelerate this week, potentially ending his six-year stint at Newcastle.

However, the club is not expected to bring in a replacement for him, leaving them short on options in wide areas.

This is especially concerning as Harvey Barnes remains sidelined for about a month due to a thigh strain.

Fenerbahce’s interest in Kelly persists, but Newcastle would only consider selling if they receive a far more substantial bid than the initial one, which the club doubts will materialize.

Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle climbed to fourth in the Premier League after securing their sixth consecutive win in a dominant 3-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday.

Almiron has been a consistent presence for Newcastle over the years, scoring 30 goals in 222 appearances. However, he has seen his role diminish this season, with Howe favoring Jacob Murphy on the right wing.

Despite having a contract until June 2026, Almiron has only made one league start this season but remains part of the matchday squad. He came off the bench during Wednesday’s win over Wolves.

Ethan Blake

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English Premier League

West Ham have made official enquiry to sign £120k-a-wk Premier League striker in the January transfer window

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West Ham have made official enquiry to sign £120k-a-wk Premier League striker in the January transfer window

West Ham United are targeting the signing of a Premier League striker during the January transfer window.

Manager Graham Potter is fully aware of the need to bolster his attacking options before the window closes. Nice forward Evann Guessand is reportedly the Hammers’ top priority this month, but the club is also exploring alternative targets.

Currently, Potter is without Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Jarrod Bowen, with Bowen being the only one expected to return in the near future. Securing reliable reinforcements in the center-forward position is now a pressing need for West Ham.

West Ham want to sign Premier League striker in January window

Securing the signing of a proven striker before the month ends is critical for Graham Potter.

The current center-forward options at his disposal are inadequate, and reports suggest that West Ham has a plan to bring a Premier League striker to the London Stadium.

According to Give Me Sport, the Hammers have inquired about Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Before Potter’s arrival, Julen Lopetegui was reportedly considering the 27-year-old injury-prone forward as a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio.

Calvert-Lewin, who earns £120,000 per week at Everton (Salary Sport), is out of contract this summer. However, West Ham seems interested in securing a deal this January.

That said, pursuing Calvert-Lewin could be a significant mistake. His injury record raises major concerns—he has missed 69 games since the start of the 2021/22 season (Transfermarkt). Turning 28 in March, his injury troubles are likely to worsen with time.

West Ham should steer clear of signing Calvert-Lewin during the January window, as such a move could prove to be an expensive misstep.

Ethan Blake

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Spanish press refute claims that Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has agreed to join Arsenal

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Spanish press refute claims that Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has agreed to join Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi is a name that Liverpool fans have likely grown weary of hearing about recently.

The Spanish international was strongly linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window, as Arne Slot sought to bolster the midfield. Despite initially agreeing to a transfer, Zubimendi opted to remain at Real Sociedad, choosing loyalty to his boyhood club over a Premier League switch.

Reports surfaced yesterday suggesting that Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in the summer of 2025, marking the end of his time at Sociedad. However, sources close to the San Sebastián club have dismissed these rumors, reigniting Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Euro 2024 champion.

Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi hasn’t agreed Arsenal transfer

In the summer transfer window, Arne Slot prioritized signing a defensive midfielder for Liverpool, identifying Spanish international Martin Zubimendi as his top target. The Reds were prepared to activate his £51m release clause, but the move ultimately fell through. Instead, Slot turned to Ryan Gravenberch as his number six—a decision that has turned out to be a masterstroke.

Despite the missed opportunity, Liverpool has continued to monitor Zubimendi closely. Yesterday, reports from English media suggesting an imminent move to Arsenal caught Anfield supporters off guard. However, Noticias de Gipuzkoa has since disputed these claims, denying that the Real Sociedad star has committed to joining the Gunners.

Zubimendi has already turned down offers from some of the world’s biggest clubs during his young career. While a transfer seems inevitable in the future, he has yet to make a final decision. The report also notes that Real Madrid and Manchester City are in the race to secure his services, adding another twist to the saga.

Liverpool’s stance on future Zubimendi deal

Liverpool heavily prioritized Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, but their stance on the Spanish international appears to have shifted as the season has progressed.

Zubimendi, who continues to shine for both club and country, is unlikely to lack suitors in future transfer windows. However, Liverpool are not actively pursuing him at the moment, though their position could change in the coming months.

Ryan Gravenberch has firmly established himself in the number six role, starting every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match under Arne Slot this season. His emergence as a key player may have altered Liverpool’s transfer plans, making it likely that the Reds will look for a different midfield profile in the summer.

Ethan Blake

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