West Ham United are considering a move for Watford’s club record-signing Ismaila Sarr. Alan Nixon for The Sun claims David Moyes has the funds to strike a deal following the departure of Sebastian Haller to Ajax. The Hammers, if they are to pursue the Senegalese international player, will initially offer £30 million.
West Ham United Considering Bid for Ismaila Sarr
Attacking Reinforcements Needed
Following Haller’s recent £25 million departure, West Ham are thin on attacking options. Even with Felipe Anderson set to return to the London Stadium, the Brazilian is not in Moyes’ plans. The Hammers have Jarrod Bowen and Andriy Yarmolenko for the right-wing position, but they have only one true left-winger and one true striker on their books. Sarr is indeed a right-winger, though he has played on the left and as a striker on a few occasions.
The tenth-placed side’s top scorer in the league this season is defensive-midfielder Tomas Soucek. Moyes understands he cannot keep relying on his non-attackers to win three points week in and week out. Crystal Palace had a bid of £25 million rejected for Sarr in the summer. West Ham United know they need to beat that price to stand a chance.
Ismaila Sarr and His Time at Watford
Watford sit sixth in the Championship after 22 matches. Sarr appeared 18 times, scoring four goals and assisting five more. The 22-year-old’s stats are what one would consider decent, but nothing special.
Sarr joined the Hornets in the summer of 2019 for a club-record fee of around £30 million with add-ons. In Watford’s relegation campaign, Sarr scored five goals and assisted six in 28 appearances. His two goals and one assist in a match against an at-the-time invincible Liverpool earned Sarr suitors.
Arsenal Reject Eddie Nketiah Approach
The interest in Sarr comes following Arsenal’s spurning of West Ham United’s approach for Eddie Nketiah. The board saw the versatile 21-year-old English forward as an ideal replacement for Haller.
Despite only making 12 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, the Gunners are not prepared to let Nketiah go this month. The youngster, who scored three goals in the Europa League so far this season, is still seen as a player for the future. And, considering Moyes’ fondness of Michail Antonio, Nketiah would not be guaranteed consistent starting minutes for West Ham United either.
Is Ismaila Sarr Likely to Leave Vicarage Road?
The hierarchy at Watford value Ismaila Sarr highly. But, £30 million would allow Watford to find strong reinforcements in multiple other positions to help their push for promotion. The Hornets also recently signed talented Danish right-winger Philip Zinckernagel.
Whether or not West Ham United actively pursue Sarr and make a formal offer will be telltale of his future. £30 million is on the brink of being a large enough sum to warrant his departure. However, West Ham United might still be reluctant. And, if the Pozzo’s have not at all lowered the £40 million asking price they set in the summer, then this deal will not materialise.
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