Flamengo forward Gonzalo Plata is on the radar of West Ham United ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report from Fichajes. 

Gonzalo Plata started his career at Independiente in his homeland of Ecuador, before joining the Sporting Lisbon academy as an 18-year-old. After being promoted to the first team, Plata scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists in 38 matches for Sporting before earning a move to La Liga. He made a permanent €9m switch to Real Valladolid after a successful loan spell.

After scoring seven goals and making 12 assists in 67 matches for the Blanquivioletas, he made a €12m move to Qatari side Al-Sadd. He had one excellent season for the club playing 31 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 8 assists. After just a year in Qatar, he moved back to South America this summer.

Since making the less than £3m switch to Brazillian side Flamengo, Plata’s statistics have failed to get going. He has just two goals and one assist in twelve matches for the Rio de Janeiro side. However, his performances have reportedly been a lot better than his numbers suggest.

Not many Hammers fans will know anything about Plata other than his statistics which can be found online, Fichajes described the Ecuadorian forward, The article reads: “At 24 years old, Plata is showcasing all his potential in Brazil, establishing himself as one of the most striking emerging talents on the continent. His explosiveness, creativity in the final third, and ability to decide matches have made him a key player in the Rio de Janeiro team, once again attracting the spotlight from Europe.

“His quick adaptation and decisive performances have raised his status in South American football, something that has not gone unnoticed by several clubs in Europe. Among them, West Ham is showing particular interest in bringing the Ecuadorian back to European soil”

It is unknown how much Gonzalo Plata would cost since he has just arrived at Flamengo over the summer. Rated at €6m by Transfermarkt, a fee of between €6-8m could be enough to tempt the Brazillian side into a quick profit.

However, despite the links, a move looks very unlikely to happen especially in January. With Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus already fighting it out for the right-wing position and Luis Guilherme being signed as the future of that position, it doesn’t make sense to bring another one in. The Hammers are also expected to have a limited amount of money to spend in the new year, so they will likely spend in more crucial positions if at all.

The West Ham strikers have really failed to impress so far this season. Niclas Fullkrug has only been fit enough to make four appearances, Antonio has one goal and Julen Lopetegui clearly doesn’t trust Danny Ings to start games. So, an out-and-out striker will likely be a priority for West Ham in January. However, if Kudus was to leave next summer when his £85m release clause becomes active, a move for Plata could happen.