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Contact made: West Ham ready to Break Bank to land £34m sensational Ace who contributed 12 G/A last season as perfect replacement to Bellanova in Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
West Ham Eye Midfield Reinforcements After Disappointing Season
West Ham United endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing 14th in the Premier League despite significant spending in the previous summer transfer window.
After taking over from Julen Lopetegui in January, Graham Potter struggled to make a meaningful impact during the second half of the season.
Now, as he prepares for his first full term in charge at the London Stadium, the former Chelsea boss is expected to receive strong backing in the upcoming transfer window.
A creative midfielder and a striker are believed to be among Potter’s top priorities.
West Ham Target Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova
According to Italian journalist Eleonora Trotta, West Ham have identified Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova as a key target to strengthen their midfield.
The 25-year-old impressed in Serie A last season, contributing one goal and 11 assists.
However, Bellanova is under contract until June 2029, and Atalanta have placed a £34 million price tag on him—an amount that could deter West Ham from pursuing a deal.
The player has not indicated a desire to leave, giving the Italian side full control over his future.
Champions League Football a Major Factor
Atalanta are on the rise, having challenged top clubs like Napoli and Inter Milan in the Serie A title race and secured a spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
Given their strong sporting project and European qualification, it remains uncertain whether Bellanova would consider a move to a club without continental competition like West Ham.
Onyedika Seen as a More Realistic Alternative
As a result, the Hammers are also considering a more financially feasible alternative—Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika.
The Nigerian midfielder is seen as a more attainable target, both in terms of cost and likelihood of securing a deal.
West Ham are expected to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur for Onyedika’s signature but remain hopeful of landing him by offering assurances over regular first-team football.
