West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have been locked in a fierce competition for the signature of Ivan Toney. However, it appears that the race is nearing its conclusion, with Spurs emerging as the likely winners. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran could attract more interest and a higher price, adding another layer of intrigue to the summer transfer window.
The Ivan Toney Saga: Spurs vs. West Ham
The chase for Brentford’s prolific striker, Ivan Toney, has been a two-way battle between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs are in desperate need of a top-quality forward to bolster their attacking options. Julen Lopetegui and Ange Postecoglou are both keen to secure Toney’s services to strengthen their respective squads.
Reports from The Sun indicate that Brentford is set to sell Toney this summer, with West Ham and Tottenham being the last clubs standing in the race for the 28-year-old. Despite West Ham’s genuine interest, it seems Tottenham has the upper hand, as they have not actively pursued alternative targets, demonstrating their confidence in securing Toney.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran: The Wild Card
While West Ham and Spurs battle it out for Toney, Aston Villa has found itself in the mix due to their Colombian forward, Jhon Duran. With Ollie Watkins cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s top strikers, Duran has struggled for game time at Villa Park. As a result, West Ham has shifted its focus to Duran as a potential alternative to Toney.
West Ham’s interest in Duran is no secret. Despite Villa’s initial £35-40 million asking price, West Ham is keen on securing the 20-year-old’s services. According to Hammers News, Duran is seen as one of many forwards on West Ham’s radar, but he has emerged as a top target due to the ongoing Toney saga.
Tottenham’s Edge in the Toney Race
Sources from Give Me Sport suggest that Tottenham is more likely to land Toney than West Ham. This confidence stems from Spurs’ belief that Brentford will reduce Toney’s current £30-40 million price tag. Additionally, Tottenham’s ability to finalize the deal could hinge on their success in offloading Richarlison.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony hinted that West Ham’s David Sullivan is aiming for a bargain deal for Toney. However, with Spurs potentially securing Toney at a lower price, it raises questions about the better deal between the two London clubs.
Aston Villa’s Potential Windfall from Duran
As West Ham inches closer to signing Duran for a reported £30 million plus, it could turn out to be a significant financial boost for Aston Villa. The Times suggests that Villa is open to selling Duran to raise funds for other signings, such as Joao Felix.
Napoli’s recent approach for Duran was rebuffed, with Villa indicating that the young striker is set to join West Ham for £31 million. This potential transfer would see Villa benefiting significantly, possibly even more than what Brentford would receive for Toney.
Who Is Getting the Better Deal?
The transfer dynamics between Toney and Duran are intriguing. While Tottenham might secure Toney for around £30 million, West Ham could end up paying more for Duran. Given Duran’s youth and potential, some might argue that West Ham is making a smarter long-term investment, despite his lack of top-level experience compared to Toney.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Toney aligns with manager Postecoglou’s desire for an immediate attacking reinforcement. Toney’s proven track record in the Premier League makes him an instant upgrade for Spurs. On the other hand, Duran represents a medium to long-term project for West Ham, which could pay off handsomely if he realizes his potential.
In conclusion, while Tottenham appears to be winning the race for Toney, West Ham’s acquisition of Duran might be a shrewd move for the future. Both clubs are making calculated gambles, with the outcomes likely to shape their fortunes in the upcoming season.
