West Ham United may need to spend €40 million if they want to complete the signing of SC Braga striker Simon Banza this summer.
With Michail Antonio set to cut ties with the Hammers at the end of the season, signing a striker is firmly at the top of the club’s to-do list this summer.
West Ham have not had the best luck signing strikers in recent years, so they must get it right with Antonio’s successor.
Several players have been linked with a move to London Stadium, but the club have concrete interest in Banza after a phenomenal campaign in the Portuguese top flight.
However, the DR Congo international will not come cheap this summer amid reports claiming West Ham must stump up €40m to convince Braga to sell.
Banza would be an upgrade on Antonio, but his price could be a sticking point
According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, AS Roma, VfB Stuttgart and ACF Fiorentina are also interested in signing Banza.
However, West Ham are firmly in the mix and should be able to win the race if it comes down to a bidding war for the former RC Lens striker.
Banza is the second-highest goalscorer in the Portuguese top flight this season with 21 goals in 27 league games.
His tally is only bettered by Sporting CP marksman Viktor Gyokeres, who has notched 27 goals in 32 appearances to fire Ruben Amorim’s side to the Primera Liga title.
Banza would be a significant upgrade on Antonio. His blistering pace and incredible strength could trouble Premier League defenders.
Braga’s asking price could be a sticking point, especially for a striker with no Premier League experience. But Banza has all the attributes he needs to succeed at London Stadium.
The 27-year-old could be a decent acquisition, but West Ham must negotiate a lower price.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
