Atletico Madrid are pursuing other striking targets ahead of Carlos Bacca if latest reports are to be believed.
Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro was influential for Unai Emery’s side last season, scoring 16 league goals and a further eight strikes in the Europa League. His fine form has attracted the interest of Diego Simeone’s side, with L’Equipe reporting that Atletico have been in talks with the striker’s representatives for two weeks.
As well as Gameiro, Atletico are reportedly interested in signing Lazio striker Keita Balde Diao after the Senegalese striker could no longer “accept the way I am treated”. The forward is valued at €25 million and the Spanish side could make a move for the 21-year-old striker.
With both of these players linked with a move to the Vicente Calderon stadium, Atletico will need to move quickly if they plan to snatch Bacca from West Ham’s clutches. There have been reports suggesting that Bacca is holding out for an offer from Atletico but ExWHUemployee confirmed that the Colombian striker is keen on joining the Hammers.
The second round of negotiations between West Ham and Bacca’s representatives took place today. The Hammers will aim to wrap up a deal before the end of the week as they look to capture their marquee striker signing of the summer.
If West Ham do complete the signing of Bacca, it could pave the way for both Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to depart the club. The Hammers have also been linked with Toulouse forward Wissam Ben Yedder as Slaven Bilic looks to rebuild his front line this summer.
