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Villarreal president Fernando Roig has broken his silence on West Ham’s reported pursuit of Arnaut Danjuma.
The centre-forward, who can also play on the left wing, went on to enjoy a great debut campaign with the club, scoring 16 goals in 34 matches, helping Villarreal finish seventh in La Liga and reach the Champions League semis.
Villarreal boss Unai Emery has helped to make Danjuma one of Spain’s leading forwards. However, he could end up leaving El Madrigal ahead of next season.
West Ham are hoping to sign the six-cap Netherlands international to bolster their attacking ranks.
The Irons are in negotiations with Villarreal over his potential move. According to Fabrizio Romano, they have made progress on a deal worth £34.6m.
However, there is a big issue when it comes to Danjuma’s wage demands. It seems West Ham are unwilling to offer what the 25-year-old wants.
Roig has now given his opinion on the talks and what Villarreal’s stance is when it comes to departures. It sounds as though it will be tough for David Moyes’ side to complete a deal.
“I don’t know anything about Danjuma. I think the market is stopped. There isn’t movement like other seasons, things are calmer. If they [offers] come, that’s fine. If they don’t, that’s fine too. We have great forwards.”
Roig’s comments suggest Villarreal don’t have to sell this summer to improve their finances. Instead, they are in a strong position and could hold West Ham off as a result.
Danjuma would be a top addition to Moyes’ squad, but there could be a better option in Jesse Lingard.
The Englishman is available on a free transfer after the expiry of his Manchester United contract.
He isn’t a true centre-forward, a position Danjuma can play, but West Ham are eyeing him up to support Michail Antonio in attack.
It would be easier for Lingard to transition than Danjuma, too. The former enjoyed a great loan spell at West Ham in the second half of the 2020-21 season.
But the Irons face a rival in the Premier League when it comes to capturing Lingard.
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