West Ham will step back from their pursuit of Arnaut Danjuma despite making an approach for the Villarreal winger, 90min understands.
The Hammers are looking to bulk out their squad with a number of summer signings, and have already wrapped up deals for central defender Nayef Aguerd and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who made his loan switch from PSG permanent at the beginning of the week.
25-year-old Danjuma was in superb form for Villarreal during the 2021/22 season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, and played a key role in helping the club reach the Champions League semi-finals.
But the Dutchman’s representatives have made it known that Danjuma would consider a return to the Premier League – something he hinted at during an exclusive interview with 90min in April – and West Ham did make an approach on Tuesday to discuss a potential deal.
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But sources have now told 90min that there are concerns among management over whether Danjuma is the right fit for West Ham moving forward, and the club, as it stands, are backing away from a deal.
Manager David Moyes has a number of other targets he is happy for the club to pursue, including Jesse Lingard, Keane Lewis-Potter and Armando Broja.
Lingard is available on a free transfer after his Manchester United contract came to an end and Moyes is pushing for West Ham’s hierarchy to complete a deal. The 29-year-old previously enjoyed a successful loan spell at London Stadium, scoring nine times in 16 games.