West Ham are reportedly monitoring Italian striker Mateo Retegui as a potential option for the summer transfer window.
What’s the latest on Retegiu to West Ham?
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Hammers are one of many clubs who are keenly tracking Tigre’s 23-year-old loanee as they attempt to upgrade their underperforming frontline.
The Italian newspaper have listed Atletico Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt as other possible suitors but described the east London outfit as a ‘great rival’ who has ‘already asked for information.’
The report also alludes to West Ham’s ‘spending power’ after David Moyes’ side forked out over £160m on eight signings last year.
Furthermore, Gazzetta have also stated that the striker’s value stands at between €15-20m (£13-18m) so it represents an affordable and enticing deal if the English side can pull it off.
Would Retegiu be an upgrade on West Ham’s current striking options?
After consecutive top-half finishes in the last two seasons and a stunning run to Europa League semi-finals, as well as an impressive summer transfer window that included the big signings of Lucas Pacqueta and Gianluca Scamacca, West Ham appeared on course for another solid campaign.
However, the side has drastically regressed and has failed to recapture that imperious form. One of the principal reasons for this has been the attack’s failure to find the back of the net on a consistent and regular basis. In just 26 league outings, the Hammers have only scored on 24 occasions to underline this obvious problem.
Scamacca has been a painful disappointment, Danny Ings is over 30-years-old and is just a short-term fix whilst Michail Antonio has lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen are currently the joint top scorers for the side from the capital this season with just a measly four goals each.
The solution for West Ham could come in the form of Retegui, who is currently on loan to Tigre from Boca Juniors. Since this move, the striker has registered 29 goals in 51 games and has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the South American leagues.
The marksman has been heavily in the news recently following his goals against England and Malta for Italy in their European Championship qualifying campaign, which means he has netted in his first two appearances for his nation.
To poach this player so early on in his career could prove to be a shrewd and astute piece of business for West Ham.