West Ham United have joined the chase to sign Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez, who is on the radar of European football’s top clubs.
Gimenez is the joint-leading scorer in the Dutch top-flight this season with 18 goals in 16 games, and has compiled a prolific record since signing for Feyenoord from Cruz Azul.
The 22-year-old has scored 43 goals in 67 appearances across the last 18 months, form which has piqued the interest of Europe’s elite. The Times are reporting that West Ham want to sign Gimenez in the January transfer window, though face a fight to convince Feyenoord to sell mid-season.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs have all been linked with Gimenez, who was born in Buenos Aires but represents Mexico at international level.
The Dutch side are reported to value Gimenez at around £30m, though are aware that price tag could continue to rise if the Mexican continues his prolific form.
Arne Slot’s side were crowned champions in the Netherlands last season, but are currently 10 points behind runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven, who have a perfect record of 16 wins from 16 games this season.
West Ham’s interest in Gimenez comes amid a lack of options for David Moyes at centre-forward. Jarrod Bowen has been used in a central role in recent weeks and has impressed, though Michail Antonio has struggled with fitness issues and Danny Ings has been linked with an exit.
Gimenez would provide West Ham with an out-and-out focal point, while the Hammers have had success with recent recruits from the Eredivisie, with Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus impressing after arriving from Ajax in the summer.
West Ham are sixth in the Premier League table, six point adrift of the Champions League places, and have qualified for the Europa League’s last 16.
