West Ham eye up former Arsenal target to become Julen Lopetegui’s second signing after Luis Guilherme


As The Pitch Prospect has learned, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is eager to meet Youssef En-Nesyri again at the London Stadium.

We told you in May how the Hammers’ interest in the 27-year-old was reignited after being long-time admirers of the Sevilla striker.

Sevilla striker En-Nesyri is back on West Ham's radar ahead of a possible summer transfer

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Sevilla striker En-Nesyri is back on West Ham’s radar ahead of a possible summer transfer.

The team from East London has tried several times in recent transfer periods to lure the player from Spain, but without success.

But now he could be West Ham’s second signing this summer, after 18-year-old Luis Guilherme arrived from Palmeiras.

Lopetegui is fully aware of En-Nesyri’s talent, having coached him at Sevilla from 2019 to 2022 and the pair won the Europa League together.

And it is believed that the former Malaga player would be willing to follow the Spaniard into the Premier League.

En-Nesyri’s contract at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium only has one year left, making him an attractive option for West Ham.

Signing a new centre-forward is a top priority for Lopetegui as he wants to pose real competition to Michail Antonio at the top.

And En-Nesyri could be that man after proving he is a dangerous finisher in Spain, scoring 73 goals in 196 games in all competitions.

Only five players scored more goals in the Spanish top division last season than En-Nesyri, who scored 16 goals in 33 appearances.

Lopetegui is said to be interested in playing alongside the Moroccan international again at the London Stadium

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Lopetegui is said to be interested in playing alongside the Moroccan international again at the London Stadium.

Arsenal had been keen to sign him five years ago after he scored nine LaLiga goals for Leganes in the 2018/19 season.

At the time, it was reported that the Gunners were in pole position to snap him up, but he remained at Leganes before moving to Sevilla in the 2020 winter transfer window.

Former West Ham star Scott Minto admits he is not keen on the idea of ​​replacing Julen Lopetegui as manager

En-Nesyri was then touted as a possible replacement for Alexandre Lacazette in 2022, but Mikel Arteta opted to sign Gabriel Jesus instead.

But now he could finally be heading to England as West Ham are looking to restructure their squad as they return to Europe.