West Ham are one of a number of Premier League sides who are in the running to sign Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres.
What’s the latest on Viktor Gyokeres to West Ham?
According to Football Insider, the Hammers are set to be rivalled by Everton, Leeds, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Brentford for the signature of this coveted talent.
The report also suggests that the east London outfit is well-placed to offer Gyokeres the “best financial package” if they avoid relegation.
This outlet had previously revealed that Coventry are ‘resigned to losing’ the gifted marksman if they are unable to win promotion to the Premier League this season.
The Sky Blues currently sit in eighth position and are three points off the playoffs in a gruelling and fascinating Championship season, whilst some reports suggest that they will try to demand around £20m to let him leave this summer.
Why do West Ham want Viktor Gyokeres?
The 24-year-old is currently the second-highest goal scorer in the English second tier this campaign with 18 goals. As well as being a lethal marksman, the 13-cap international also tallies as the second-highest assister (8) to demonstrate both sides to his impressive repertoire.
The Swede has emerged as an indispensable component of a Coventry side that is staking a respectable claim for a possible promotion. He has amassed the second-highest rating (7.19) of the whole squad this season and without his frightening number of goal contributions Mark Robin’s side would be in a significantly worse position.
It isn’t just this season that Gyokeres has showcased his effervescent quality, the frontman also recorded 17 goals last campaign which means he has netted 35 times in his last 83 Championship appearances.
Former Watford manager Slaven Bilic applauded the quality of the forward.
“He is a very strong striker, a player who can not only keep and hold the ball but he can hurt you. He can run into the channels and he’s strong. He is a target man but also has good movement.”
Gyokeres has arguably proven that he is simply above this level. According to FBref, the attacker ranks in the top 2% for shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, as well as the top 1% for progressive carries among his positional peers outside of Europe’s top five leagues.
It is no wonder that a host of top-flight clubs are circling around this talent. The £3k-per-week star’s contract expires in 2024, so Coventry are likely to sell him this summer to avoid losing one of their prize assets for free in the future.
West Ham have already established a formidable reputation for poaching top Championship players – in the past, they have recruited Jarrod Bowen, Flynn Downes and Said Benrahma. Gyokeres could be the next added to this skilled set of players.