West Ham are still keen on Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, according to reports.
The Hammers were linked with a move for the Dutchman during the January transfer window and ExWHUEmployee claims that the club could “explore” a transfer once again this summer.
Emegha has had a good season in front of goal, having scored 8 league goals in his last 9 appearances for Strasbourg, including the winner against Auxerre on Sunday.
The 22-year-old is likely to be seen as a cheaper alternative to Evan Ferguson, who will return to Brighton at the end of his loan spell in July.
Signing Ferguson could prove to be expensive
Despite a rather underwhelming start to his time at the London Stadium, reports have suggested that the forward’s parent club, Brighton, will demand £60m if the Irons want to keep him beyond the end of the season.
Considering that Ferguson has yet to start a game (or score a goal) since joining West Ham, that is not a fee that Graham Potter’s side would consider paying.
West Ham may have issues purchasing Emegha
A move for the Netherlands Under 21 international could be complicated by Chelsea. The Blues effectively own Strasbourg and they would have the final say on sanctioning his move to the Hammers.
A lot could depend on whether Enzo Maresca wants Emegha to be part of his squad. The Italian is reportedly keen on signing a new No.9, but it is believed that the club are targeting Ipswich’s Liam Delap instead.
With that being the case, there is a chance that an agreement for Emegha could be hashed out. Any decision on buying him, though, will probably hinge on a) Ferguson’s performances and b) whether they are priced out of a move for the Irishman.
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