West Ham could match one club’s asking price for the striker, who has been compared to former Man City star Julian Alvarez, it has been suggested.
Nuno plans for January after Man United draw with West Ham
West Ham fought back to grab a valuable point at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Sungutu Magassa’s late goal canceling out Diogo Dalot’s opener for a 1-1 draw.
The Hammers’ hopes of survival remain firmly alive over the festive period as the away stalemate with Man United leaves East Londoners scrambling to fill the ground of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest above them.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side spent much of the night defending resolutely, absorbing sustained United pressure, until Dalot found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.
After Casemiro’s deflected shot found its way into the penalty area, the Portuguese wing-back was quickest to react, finishing past Alphonse Areola.
The lead looked secure until seven minutes into the game, when substitute Andy Irving’s corner kick caused chaos in United’s box. Jarrod Bowen deflected a shot towards goal at his near post and Nousser Mazraoui made a desperate effort to clear on the line, but Magassa pounced on and smashed home his first West Ham goal from close range.
Former West Ham manager Nuno talks about the ‘big’ changes he would like to make to the team
Nuno wants to change them.
The finish was met with cheers from the away supporters, and boos from United fans as the final whistle blew.
West Ham’s Premier League results so far |
|---|
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham |
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea |
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham |
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham |
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace |
Everton 1-1 West Ham |
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham |
West Ham 0-2 Brentford |
Leeds 2-1 West Ham |
West Ham 3-1 Newcastle |
West Ham 3-2 Burnley |
Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham |
West Ham 0-2 Liverpool |
Manchester United 1-1 West Ham |
However, West Ham’s attacking struggles remain noticeable.
Following the disastrous defeat of Niklas Furkruk in East London, 36-year-old Callum Wilson is currently the only reliable batting option, making reinforcements in January essential.
The German’s 18-month spell at West Ham has been marred by injuries and a lack of goals, with him asking to leave after scoring zero this season, and unless a new No. 9 is signed next month, Nuno will be hopelessly underutilized in the final third.
West Ham are leading the race to sign Union Saint Giroise’s great striker Promise David, according to reports, but he is by no means their only target.
West Ham hint at meeting Santiago Jimenez’s asking price
AC Milan striker Santiago Jimenez has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons ahead of January, with Milan reportedly open to a sale following the general downturn at the San Siro.
The Mexico international led his former club Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in 2023 and built on that momentum the following season, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.
His impressive run in the Netherlands culminated in a £28m move to Milan last January, but Jimenez failed to live up to expectations, despite former teammate Kyle Walker likening him to Alvarez, now at Atletico Madrid.
Walker also said Jimenez is a hard worker on the team but has the ability to create “magic.”
“His style of play is very similar to Julian Alvarez,” Walker told FOX Sports in October.
“He’s not a direct striker, but he has the skill to create magic. He’s a willing runner and is willing to put his body on the line for the team.”
“Many strikers don’t touch the ball after scoring, but this is a team game. His work ethic fits in with a lot of team performances.”
According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and journalist Salvatore Riggio, West Ham could make a £26 million bid for Jimenez in January, which would effectively match the Rossoneri’s asking price.
The 24-year-old, who has scored 93 goals in his career, appears to be ‘destined’ to go to England, with Sunderland also believed to be keenly interested.
The paper added that Jimenez has not yet settled in Milan, so perhaps a move to London could rekindle his best.
