West Ham will have to stave off competition from Arsenal and Borussia Monchengladbach, among many other clubs as they look to wrap up a deal for French forward Alexis Claude-Maurice.
According to The Mirror, West Ham are now joined by Monchengladbach in their attempts to land Claude-Maurice this summer.
Claude-Maurice shone for FC Lorient in Ligue 2 last season, scoring 14 times and assisting a further three goals. A host of European clubs have now begun to circle.
Both West Ham and Arsenal have reportedly tabled bids of around £8 million. FC Lorient, however, are looking to secure around £20 million (including add ons) for the departure of their prized asset, and will not entertain any bids below £15 million.
The Hammers have already let Lucas Perez leave for Alaves this summer, and as such, they are in the market for another striker to provide out and out cover for the ageing Javier Hernandez. Both Marko Arnautovic and Michael Antonio have deputised efficiently, but Manuel Pellegrini will be looking to utilise their pace and power on the wing – although Claude-Maurice himself can operate both centrally and out wide.
Arsenal do appear to be the front runners for the 21-year-old due to Mateo Guendouzi’s friendship with the young forward – they played together at Lorient last season before the latter moved to the Emirates, but West Ham are still hopeful of concluding a deal and will be looking to table an improved offer in the near future.
