---
title: "Virals: West Ham earmark Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2021/10/10/virals-west-ham-earmark-espanyol-striker-raul-de-tomas/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2021-10-10T09:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-10-10T09:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: West Ham earmark Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2021/10/10/virals-west-ham-make-several-enquires-to-sign-luca-pellegrini/) will reportedly look to resolve their striker dilemma by signing Espanyol ace [Raul de Tomas](https://readwestham.com/2020/12/17/hulk-willing-to-take-pay-cut-as-west-ham-show-interest/) in January.

The Hammers have been without suitable support for Michail Antonio ever since Sebastien Haller [joined Ajax](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55576847) last winter.

Despite calls for additions over the summer, David Moyes [resisted the temptation](https://www.90min.com/posts/west-ham-transfer-news-david-moyes-striker) to sign a centre-forward out of desperation.

Now, however, according to reports from Spanish outlet [Fichajes.net](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/delantero-liga-mira-west-ham-moyes-de-tomas-20211008.html), as cited by [RumorsTransfersNews24/7](https://twitter.com/rumorstransfers)on Twitter, the former Spanish youth international could be the answer.

> West Ham United have reportedly identified 27-year-old Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas as their latest target to bolster their attack.
>
> — RumorsTransfersNews24/7 📰 (@rumorstransfers) [October 9, 2021](https://twitter.com/rumorstransfers/status/1446924677096427520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The report claims that West Ham would need to shell out around €30million (£27million) to sign the 27-year-old.

De Tomas, a product of the youth system at Real Madrid, has scored [three La Liga goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raul-de-tomas/leistungsdaten/spieler/162038) in eight appearances this season and provided one assist.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Signing a striker simply has to be top of the transfer [priorities](https://www.whufc.com/teams/first-team/squad) when the January transfer window opens.

Although Antonio has made a [remarkable start](https://www.sofascore.com/player/michail-antonio/47772) to the season, whilst staying injury-free, the burden on the 31-year-old remains too great and the Irons suffered as a consequence of their talisman being suspended recently.

As the action [comes thick and fast](https://www.whufc.com/fixtures/first-team/fixtures-and-results), more pressure will be imparted on Antonio to both perform and remain fit.

Valued at £9million and under contract in Spain until 2026 ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raul-de-tomas/marktwertverlauf/spieler/162038)), West Ham would certainly hope for a dramatic reduction in the mooted fee, albeit a wholly necessary and worthwhile deal.