West Ham will make a move to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson this summer, according to the Sun.
The national newspaper claim that the Hammers have made Wilson their top priority after reportedly missing out on Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez.
The Sun reports that Manuel Pellegrini is keen to bolster his attacking options and will test Bournemouth’s resolve by placing a £35million bid for the 27-year-old.
It is suggested that Eddie Howe will run the rule on any potential deal for Wilson, who still has three years remaining on his current contract at the club.
The England international enjoyed a great Premier League season, scoring 14 and assisting a further 10 goals in his 30 appearances.
OPINION
This will certainly be an ambitious move from West Ham, with the chances of Howe letting his top striker leave very unlikely. Wilson impressed this season after recovering from a knee injury, and to be involved in 24 top-flight goals is no easy achievement. The 27-year-old earned his first three caps under Gareth Southgate and will be hoping to push on and earn more next season. One of Wilson’s main strengths is his ability to find space in and around the box to unleash efforts on target. The striker averaged the most shots per game for his side with 2.2, highlighting his poaching ability and the skill he holds to create a chance out of nothing [WhoScored]. When compared to West Ham’s previous target Gomez, the Bournemouth striker is more direct with his runs at opposition defences, averaging 0.6 dribbles per game. The Celta Vigo forward is much more direct and offers less pace, averaging only 0.4 dribble attempts. [WhoScored]
