West Ham United have launched a major recruitment drive, with talks underway to sign Lazio forward Taty Castellanos for a fee of £25 million. This move comes hot on the heels of the club agreeing a separate £21 million deal for Gil Vicente striker Pablo Felipe.
Hammers' Striker Search Intensifies
The East London club turned their attention to Argentine international Castellanos after discovering that alternative targets were either too expensive or unavailable. The Hammers had been quoted a staggering £40 million for Wolverhampton Wanderers' striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Their interest in Crystal Palace's Eddie Nketiah was also cooled by the player picking up a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old Castellanos, who also attracted interest from Brazilian side Flamengo and Championship club Leeds United, is reportedly keen on a switch to the capital. Discussions are focused on securing a four-year contract for the former New York City FC player.
Multiple Deals in the Pipeline
West Ham's business is not limited to their forward line. The club remains in discussions to sign Fulham winger Adama Traore on a short-term deal. In a more ambitious move, they have also explored the possibility of a loan for Chelsea and England star Raheem Sterling. However, that deal faces a significant hurdle as the 31-year-old Sterling is only interested in a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Brazilian striker Pablo Felipe is imminent, with the player undergoing his medical on Thursday to finalise his switch from Gil Vicente. To help balance the books, West Ham are close to selling young talent Luis Guillerme to Sporting Lisbon for £17.5 million, with the 19-year-old scheduled for a medical in Portugal.
Other Club Movement Across the UK
The transfer activity extends beyond the London Stadium. In other notable moves, Aston Villa have secured the signing of 19-year-old Gremio forward Alysson in a deal that could be worth up to £10.5 million. Everton have recalled midfielder Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston North End.
Southampton are putting the finishing touches on a loan deal for Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, which includes a £7 million option to make the move permanent. Birmingham City are working on a £1.8 million agreement for Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner, 28.
Manchester United winger Sam Mather, 21, is in talks with Turkish side Kayserispor over a free transfer that would include a sell-on clause. Finally, Celtic have agreed a loan for Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo, who has travelled for a medical. Bournemouth plan to recall Dominic Sadi from Novi Pazar to free up an international loan slot for Araujo's departure.
In a separate outgoing, West Ham goalkeeper Krisztian Hegyi has joined Hungarian club MTK Budapest on a season-long loan.
