West Ham United struggled in several areas this season, but many would agree that the forward line caused the most headaches.
Injuries blighted summer signings Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville, while Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus struggled for form.
Unsurprisingly, the Hammers looked blunt in attack.
West Ham need summer reinforcement and have reportedly submitted an offer to get the first deal of the summer over the line.
According to Sozcu, West Ham lodged a €25 million offer for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz. The Irons have had eyes on the Turkiye star for some time now and sent a proposal.
Unfortunately, Galatasaray rejected the West Ham offer and set a €35 million price tag on Alper Yilmaz.
The 25-year-old played an instrumental role as Gala sealed the Super Lig title with 12 goals and three assists in 32 appearances.
He scored a goal and recorded an assist to help his side win the Turkish Cup, taking his tally to 14 goals and six assists in all competitions.
West Ham could use another winger to provide competition for Summerville on the left, and Alper Yilmaz fits the bill. However, West Ham must consider whether they want to raise their offer.
Alper Yilmaz is the best value-for-money winger on the market – View
Alper Yilmaz combines pace, strength in one-on-one duels, and a relentless work ethic. These traits would suit the Premier League’s intensity.
His versatility is also a plus. While he is dangerous off the left flank, he has also featured on the right and filled in centrally when needed.
For a West Ham side that lacked attacking fluidity and depth last season, that adaptability could prove invaluable.
Still, €35 million is a steep ask. The Hammers would need to either bring Galatasaray’s price tag down or be absolutely sure that Yilmaz is worth the punt.
If West Ham want to challenge for a top-half finish or even push for Europe, they need firepower.
Gala’s €35 million demand might be steep, but West Ham will struggle to find a consistent winger who can replicate his numbers and attacking verve for that sum.
(Stats from Sofascore and Transfermarkt)