West Ham fans will be buzzing as club register interest in 24y/o international ace but Hammers must act fast

West Ham United are still working on reinforcing their squad before the end of the January transfer window.

The Hammers are looking to sign a striker amid long-term injuries to Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug.

Their extensive list of targets suggests they’re considering short-term options, but that could change as Fullkrug continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium.

While they’re assessing their options at the top end of the pitch, the club are reportedly also looking at potential midfield reinforcements.

According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now set their sights on Lille midfielder Angel Gomes and are keen to bring him back to England.

The 24-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the season, so West Ham can either snap him up on a free transfer in the summer or lure him back to England for a bargain fee this month.

Gomes could be a statement signing but West Ham must act fast

Gomes is the kind of midfielder West Ham should be pulling out all the stops to sign.

The former Manchester United ace started off as an attacking midfielder before dropping deeper into a more central role.

That transition has proven to be a masterstroke. Gomes thrives as a tempo-setter and has established himself as one of the fine operators in France.

He’s the kind of profile West Ham are lacking in the engine room and would suit Potter’s football to a T.

Paired with a more combative midfielder like Edson Alvarez, they can establish a solid partnership and provide a platform for the Hammers to play Potter’s expansive brand of football.

Gomes has only a goal and an assist to his name in 16 games, but those modest figures do not tell the whole story.

He has created four big chances and averages 1.3 key passes per match in Ligue 1. Also, his 63% dribble success rate effectively pegs him as a press-resistant midfielder.

Gomes could be a statement acquisition for the Hammers, but they need to act fast, with other Premier League clubs circling.