West Ham United Want To Sign This 23-Year-Old Forward: Is He A Good Deal For The Hammers | OneFootball

West Ham United’s ambitions in the transfer market continue to grow, and their scouts are already assessing options for future windows. After news that the club could listen to offers for James Ward-Prowse, the focus has shifted to fresh attacking targets.

According to Parma Live, one of the names under consideration is Mateo Pellegrino, who has enjoyed an impressive rise at Parma and now finds himself on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest.

Parma resisted approaches in the summer, even rejecting offers reportedly over €15 million. With Pellegrino now valued near €30 million and improving every week, the Italian side can afford to wait. For now, they plan to keep him in Serie A until 2026, but strong bids from England could change that. The interest from the Premier League looks certain to remain, and Pellegrino’s future could be one of the stories of next summer’s market.

That possibility alone ensures Pellegrino will stay linked to the Premier League throughout the season. The 23-year-old Argentine forward has been key for Parma this year, scoring freely and catching the eye of clubs willing to spend heavily.

Do West Ham United need him?

PARMA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 29: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma applauds the fans after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Torino FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on September 29, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

For West Ham, Pellegrino could represent a potential long-term option to lead their attack under Nuno Espírito Santo. His physical frame and instinct to attack crosses and long balls align with the direct style Nuno has introduced at the club. The Argentine has scored five goals in seven games this season, showing the kind of presence in the penalty area that could benefit a team still reshaping under a new manager.

English football is demanding, and these flaws could be exposed by defenders who won’t give him space or time. His passing accuracy sits at only 59.6 per cent, and he often commits fouls, which highlights an area where he must improve if he makes the move. Another complication is Parma’s stance. They are not willing to sell before 2026, and Velez also holds a significant resale clause. These details make negotiations far from straightforward.

Still, West Ham have shown intent before, as reports linked them to a €35 million proposal for Pape Gueye. Pellegrino could fit their wider strategy of signing physical, hard-working players. If that happens, his adaptation to the Premier League will decide whether he can follow in the footsteps of South American strikers who thrived in England.