West Ham United have pivoted their January striker search towards Brazilian prospect Pablo from Gil Vicente, after financial concerns scuppered a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Scattergun Search Sees Hammers Cool on Wolves' £40m Man
The Hammers, languishing in the Premier League's relegation zone, are desperate for attacking reinforcements under manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Club sources had indicated an opening bid for Wolves' Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen was being prepared earlier this week.
However, the proposed deal has rapidly grown cold due to the significant costs involved. Wolves are demanding a fee in the region of £40 million for the forward, whose personal wage demands are also considered high. This has prompted the East London club to explore more affordable alternatives in a transfer strategy described as having a 'scattergun' feel.
Pablo Emerges as Prime Portuguese Target
West Ham have now identified Gil Vicente's 21-year-old Brazilian striker Pablo as their primary target. The club are in advanced talks over a deal for the player, who is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes—the same agent as manager Nuno.
Gil Vicente, the surprise package sitting fourth in Portugal's Primeira Liga this season, are expected to demand a fee of around €20 million (approximately £17.5 million) for their star asset. Negotiations are understood to be progressing positively, making Pablo a significantly cheaper option than Strand Larsen.
Prodigy's Form and the Challenge Ahead
The young forward has been in scintillating form this campaign, netting nine goals in just 12 league appearances to fire his club into European contention. Despite his obvious talent and status as a top prospect, there is an acknowledgement within the West Ham hierarchy that he would require time to adapt to the physical demands of English football.
West Ham's need for firepower is acute. Currently 18th and four points from safety, their only natural senior striker is Callum Wilson. Manager Nuno has been forced to deploy wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville in central roles recently.
Broad Striker Hunt Continues Amid Defensive Setback
The search for forwards has been extensive. The club had monitored Crystal Palace's Eddie Nketiah, but his hamstring injury ruled him out. Attention has also fallen on Coventry City's Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, as well as Viktoria Plzen's Rafiu Durosinmi.
In a blow to their defensive plans, an attempt to sign Manchester City's Nathan Aké on loan has failed after the Dutch defender showed no interest in the move. This could see West Ham revive their interest in Chelsea's Axel Disasi.
The imminent arrival of Fulham winger Adama Traoré on a free transfer is a separate piece of business, but does not solve the central striking crisis. With majority shareholder David Sullivan prepared to back Nuno in the market, the final days of the window are set to be crucial for the Hammers' survival hopes.
