West Ham one step away from first January signing as transfer update emerges | OneFootball

West Ham United have scoured the length of the European market in a long-drawn-out search for a prolific striker.

They’ve shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon, with a number of players already linked with a move to the London Stadium.

The Hammers saw a club-record £57 million bid for Jhon Duran turned down by Aston Villa, with the Colombian striker now on his way to Saudi Arabia.

The East Londoners were also rebuffed by Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven when they tabled a £21m bid for Ricardo Pepi.

While multiple reports claim West Ham will go back to PSV with a second bid for Pepi, others suggest not all decision-makers at the club are convinced about bringing the United States international to East London.

Meanwhile, PSV have also ruled out a mid-season exit for Pepi, effectively forcing West Ham to look elsewhere.

However, they’re running out of time to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline.

Their primary target remains Brighton & Hove Albion prodigy Evan Ferguson, with Graham Potter keen on a reunion.

West Ham are yet to table a bid for Ferguson, who has been valued at £40m, but Potter could soon welcome his first January signing.

West Ham preparing bid for Arthur Cabral

According to Record, West Ham have revived their interest in Benfica striker Arthur Cabral and could close a deal to sign the Brazilian in the coming days.

The Hammers are reportedly preparing to submit an initial €18m (£15m) bid with an additional €2m (£1.5m) in bonuses.

Cabral came close to joining Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United earlier this month in a deal worth €18m plus add-ons, but the move didn’t materialise, paving the way for West Ham to swoop in.

Cabral has struggled for playing time at Benfica this season, with Vangelis Pavlidis preferred as the first choice centre-forward.

The 26-year-old has returned six goals and an assist in 24 games despite starting just six times across all competitions.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com