Transfer Talk: Danjuma ready to help Hammers nail down a European spot

Arnaut Danjuma is a man in demand after helping Villarreal to an unlikely Champions League semi-final last season.

The forward's move to Spain took many by surprise after he spent two years at Bournemouth, playing in both the Premier League and Championship.

But the Nigeria-born Dutchman is now being linked with a move to West Ham, while he has also caught the eye of Liverpool and Manchester United scouts.

As the Hammers lead the race for his signature, we take a look at what he would bring to David Moyes’ outfit.

Keep moving forward

Moyes is keen to make additions to his West Ham squad having made significant progress during his time in East London.

The Hammers gave their fans a Europa League journey to remember in 2021-22, making the semi-finals of the competition and have qualified for Europe again courtesy of a seventh-place finish.

While it looks likely that Moyes will be able to hold on to star men Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen for another season, he will know they need to invest this window to continue their upward trajectory.

Delightful Danjuma

Villarreal swooped for Danjuma, 25, last summer after he bagged 15 goals and seven assists for the Cherries in the Championship.

With the prospect of playing Premier League football ended by defeat to Brentford in the play-offs, Bournemouth’s Player of the Year headed for Spain for a fee of £21.5million, which raised a few eyebrows.

But it proved smart business as Danjuma scored 16 times and provided four assists in all competitions.

He has gained valuable Champions League experience and played a pivotal role in Villarreal’s unexpected run to the semi-final, bagging six goals in 11 matches.

As well as ending the campaign as the Yellow Submarine's top scorer, Danjuma was second to Karim Benzema in La Liga’s expected goals per 90 rankings with 0.78.

Where will he play?

The PSV youth product possesses speed, balance and composure and likes to cut-in on his stronger right foot when playing on the left flank — but his greatest asset is that he is comfortable with both feet.

Danjuma was primarily deployed on the left wing in his Bournemouth days but played more frequently in the centre forward role last season, particularly while Paco Alcacer was absent through injury.

The Dutchman retained his place as a No9 for all but one of Villarreal’s Champions League clashes in favour of Alcacer, their top scorer in the 2020-21 season, who watched on from the bench.

This versatility would be a huge asset for Moyes and provide competition for Michail Antonio, who only found the net 10 times in the league last season.

And if a rumoured move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja happens, Danjuma is more than capable of slotting in on either wing for the Irons.

The right option?

There is no doubt that Danjuma is a superb talent and will be a real coup for West Ham if they are able to get the deal over the line, with reports suggesting the parties are some way apart in contract negotiations.

Villarreal’s No15 revealed earlier this month that he is open to leaving, hinting at a Premier League return.

He said: "I think there is definitely unfinished business for me in England.

"Because if you look back to the reason why I joined Bournemouth initially was [for] me to play Premier League football."

If Moyes does splash out on Danjuma, there is little doubt that he has the quality to improve the Hammers squad as they aim for Europa Conference League glory and another top-seven finish next season.