Arsenal to lose out? West Ham hope to beat London rivals to big signing by opening talks with Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez

Posted Tuesday, April 23, 2024 by Goal.com

West Ham are set to launch fresh approach for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan.

WHAT HAPPENED?
West Ham continue to target a new striker, with Gimenez remaining on the club's radar following January interest. Football Insider reports that, having held "extensive talks" during the winter window but failing to agree a deal, the Hammers are back in for the Mexican forward. But Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan are all thought to hold similar rival interest.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gimenez has risen to prominence due to his goalsoring prowess for Feyenoord. Since joining the Dutch side in July 2022, he has found the net 47 times in 85 appearances across all competitions, securing the Eredivisie title in 2022-23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023-24. Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham have all lacked a consistent source of goals from a 'number nine' this season.

DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal haven't had a player reach 20 goals in all competitions since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019-20, although winger Bukayo Saka could reach that milestone this season after scoring 18 so far. For West Ham, a 20-goal season as a top flight club hasn't happened since John Hartson way back in 1997-98.

WHAT NEXT FOR GIMENEZ?
Gimenez's Feyenoord trail PSV in the Eredivisie by nine points with only four points to go, all but ensuring their title will soon be lost. But the 23-year-old will quickly be in international action this summer in the Copa America, with Mexico expecting to do well after being drawn into a favourable group with Jamaica, Venezuela and Ecuador. A big performance in the tournament could even inflate his price tag.