According to Foot Mercato, West Ham United are in the race to sign Brentford attacker Said Benrahma this summer.
It’s claimed that Benrahma is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs, but this looks to be the first time West Ham have been touted as a summer suitor.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Leicester City are mentioned as potential destinations in the report, with West Ham now challenging them.
The report carries quotes from Benrahma in which he states that he wants to play in the Premier League next season, which could still come with Brentford.
The Bees are on course for a Championship playoff spot. The Algerian star should therefore have a chance to play in the top flight without having to leave Thomas Frank’s side.
Benrahma, 24, has starred for Brentford since his 2018 move from Nice. He has racked up 21 goals and 25 assists in 79 games for Brentford, meaning he’s averaging better than a goal contribution per game.
A left winger with every trick in the book and proven end product, Benrahma belongs in the Premier League but it’s hard to see West Ham moving for him.
They landed a Championship star in January by signing Jarrod Bowen, and they still have the likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass, Andriy Yarmolenko and Michail Antonio who can play on the left, whilst Grady Diangana will be returning too.
If a couple of those players end up leaving, then maybe Benrahma becomes a target. For now though, West Ham would be a shock move, especially given the impact of the global pandemic.
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