Watford may not have the funds to fight Premier League rivals West Ham United and Arsenal for Paul Onuachu, with The Athletic reporting KRC Genk are demanding a fee of about £20 million.
If the 6ft 7in goal-machine does move to England during the final two months of the transfer window, he will arrive with a point to prove.
The likes of Wesley Moraes, Mbwana Samatta, Arnaut Danjuma and Marvelous Nakamba struggled big time after making the switch from Belgian football to the Premier League.
And while the towering Onuachu scored a remarkable 35 goals in all competitions last season, there will be no shortage of cynics doubting whether he can make a similar impact in a far stronger division.
Is Paul Onuachu heading to Arsenal?
Nonetheless, it looks as though the Nigeria international will be given the chance to silence his doubters while proving value can be found in the Jupiler League.
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The Athletic reports Genk want £20 million for a man who, along with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Dan Burn, would be the tallest player in England’s top flight at more than 2m.
Watford are interested, although it’s believed a hefty price tag could keep Onuachu out of the Hornets’ reach.
West Ham and Arsenal are interested too, with both clubs having the means to outbid a newly promoted outfit.
Onuachu’s agent travelled to England this week for talks regarding a potential transfer, with David Moyes telling his Hammers bosses to make a bid for a target man capable of finally filling that Sebastien Haller-shaped hole in the club’s front line.
The smart money should be on Arsenal, however.
Onuachu admitted in March he’s a huge Gunners fan, having grown up idolising Emmanuel Adebayor and Nigerian legend Kanu.
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