West Ham are continuing to aim to build the squad this summer, with the forward position now a key area in the current mindset.

The hunt for a striker continues after Gianluca Scamacca’s exit to Atalanta materialised, as well as Michail Antonio rumoured to being keen on leaving the club too.

One name on the list of strikers to join David Moyes’ side is Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, who was said to be close to joining West Ham in January 2022 whilst he played for Stade de Reims.

Since joining PSG however, he’s struggled to make an impact and scored just four goals in 32 matches last season for Les Parisiens. With PSG making multiple forward signings to surpress the blows of Neymar and Lionel Messi leaving the club, alognside Kylian Mbappe looking likely to stay at the club, it seems as if Ekitike will yet again struggle for game time unless he leaves the club.

West Ham have been interested in the forward for little over a year now and were in a bidding war with Newcastle in January, though nothing materialised and PSG snapped him up in the summer of 2022. Aged just 21, the Frenchman possesses a lot of potential and can play in many positions across the frontline.

Reports suggest that West Ham could opt for a loan with an option to buy for him, and a deal could be worth £35m according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Following the signings of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and newly signed Konstantinos Mavropanos, West Ham look to be setting their sights on a new striker and Ekitike could really be their man. He holds the ability to inject pace into the squad which is something that West Ham and Moyes have sought after for a few windows now, combined with an eye for goals and assists.

However, the Hammers will have to move quickly if they are to sign the PSG forward as they face competition from AC Milan and fellow Premier League side Everton.

Written by Joe Murray