According to multiple reports across England, West Bromwich Albion has agreed to a club-record transfer fee for West Ham’s wantaway striker Diafra Sakho.
The 26-year-old has reportedly handed in a transfer request and refused to join the club on its preseason tour of Asia in an attempt to force a move. He apparently has his wish, as West Brom has agreed to pay $21 million for the 26-year-old to join the Baggies.
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Sakho was said to have asked for a transfer because West Ham’s public chasing of a striker has caused him to feel distrusted. He was pushed hand in a formal request after a $14.5 million Sunderland bid was turned down in July, according to Sky Sports. Sakho came to West Ham in the summer of 2014 from French club FC Metz, and he’s scored 15 goals in 44 Premier League appearances with the Hammers since.
Arsenal has been a featured squad in the rumor mill recently. With their attempted capture of Lyon frontman Alexander Lacazette looking more and more bleak, they are rumored to be gearing up for a chase of Inter striker Mauro Icardi, according to the Evening Standard. The Italian came off the bench and scored Inter’s only goal in their 4-1 friendly loss against Bayern Munich in Charlotte on Saturday.
The Gunners are also reportedly chasing Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, but there are whispers that the two clubs are still a significant distance apart in their valuation of the player. Mustafi has a release clause of around $55 million, but that doesn’t seem to be in play. According to Sky Germany, a deal may be struck in the $42 million range, but Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli says the clubs are still negotiating.
Mustafi, Arsenal and Valencia are still €5mln far away for the fee. #afc
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) July 31, 2016
Mustafi would be important for the Gunners with captain Per Mertesacker out for the forseeable future with a knee injury.