‘Come back in the summer’ – Journalist drops West Ham transfer claim after January pursuit

Benfica have told West Ham that Darwin Nunez could move to the east London club in the summer following David Moyes’ failed January pursuit, according to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GiveMeSport).

Throughout last month, many Hammers fans were screaming for Moyes to bring in a striker, as Michail Antonio is the only recognised senior centre-forward at the club. Unsurprisingly, he is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals.

However, he has a chequered injury history and, given the club’s failure to replace Sebastien Haller following his exit 12 months ago, it’s no wonder supporters may be worried that one injury to the Jamaica international could destroy any chances of securing a top-four finish and achieving Champions League qualification.

West Ham were linked with Benfica’s Nunez throughout the January transfer window, but their offer on deadline day for the player was rejected, according to Sky Sports. The Hammers were considering an improved offer, but the deal was too difficult to complete before the 11pm transfer deadline.

According to transfer insider Jones, Benfica have told West Ham that they would be more open to a deal for Nunez in the summer, adding that the delay doesn’t solve the Irons’ urgent need for greater centre-forward depth.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he outlined: “Benfica basically said, ‘we’re not going to do the deal right now, come back in the summer’ and they might do that but it’s absolutely no help to them right now”.

Sky Italy reported that West Ham offered £37.43m plus add-ons for Nunez, but this fell short of Benfica’s valuation. If the Hammers are to consistently compete for Champions League qualification, they will surely need to bring in players of the