West Ham have initiated talks with Montpellier over the potential transfer of highly-rated attacker Gaetan Laborde this summer.
According to football journalist Ekrem Konur, West Ham United are starting to make some moves in their pursuit of Gaetan Laborde. The Montpellier forward is one of the club’s top targets as David Moyes looks to further strengthen his ranks after a successful 2020/21 campaign.
The Hammers have already initiated discussions with Montpellier over a potential deal in the summer. Laborde’s current contract at the club expires in 2023, but given the financial disarray in Ligue 1, they could be forced to cash in on their prized asset.
Formerly of Stade Brest, Laborde has made a name for himself with his performances in Ligue 1 in recent years. He broke into the scene shortly after his move to Montpellier in 2018, but it was the 2020/21 campaign that truly made him one of the most sought-after players in the French market.
Indeed, the 27-year-old was involved in 24 league goals last term, building a formidable attacking duo of Andy Delort. He has started the new season on a positive note as well, netting two goals in three matches.
Laborde’s performances have not gone unnoticed either with West Ham prepared to prise him away from Montpellier. The Frenchman is being targeted as the desired partner for Michail Antonio attack and a potential backup for the Englishman, who suffered from fatigue last season due to no real cover.
The Hammers haven’t had a particularly eventful window so far, failing to even sign a single new player on a permanent deal. They have had no shortages of options, though, with the club being linked with multiple players including Clermont Foot’s rising star Mohamed Bayo.
Laborde, though, is one of the top targets as manager Moyes has identified the attacking department as one of the potential weaknesses. The club’s failure to secure a permanent deal has added to the Scot’s woes, and the overall failure in this window could cost the team dearly this season.
Fortunately for them, West Ham still have a week to resolve their problems by signing new players from the market. The potential addition of Gaetan Laborde could be an excellent start, although the Hammers must move swiftly.
