Manchester United and Arsenal track German wonderkid, West Ham United linked with Joshua Zirkzee and Ivan Toney – Paper Round

West Ham target Dju and Zirzkee

West Ham United have a number of targets in mind for the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Franculino Dju of FC Midtjylland and Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee are names who could be added to the London club’s frontline.

“FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju is a name of interest after West Ham explored the conditions of a permanent deal late in the summer window.

“Danish sources have indicated The Irons actually saw an informal bid rebuffed by Midtjylland for the Guinea-Bissau international, but he remains on their radar after plundering 19 goals in all competitions this season.

“Midtjylland are expected to command a Danish-record fee for Dju that could surpass the £22 million plus £4m package FC Nordsjaelland received for Ghanaian attacker Ernest Nuamah in 2023 from dual-owned RWD Molenbeek and Lyon.

“Manchester United frontman Joshua Zirkzee, who has played just 82 Premier League minutes this season, is also an option set to be evaluated, providing The Red Devils make him available for transfer, as German target man Niclas Fullkrug is eyeing a return to the Bundesliga.”

West Ham add Traore to shortlist

Another player who could be brought to West Ham is Fulham winger Adama Traore, who knows Nuno from their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With West Ham sitting in 18th place in the Premier League, the club hope to improve their chances after the turn of the year.

“The Hammers are currently in 18th place and look set to face a relegation battle.

“It’s expected Nuno will seek to strengthen his squad after the New Year. Traore enjoyed a successful spell working under Nuno at Wolves between 2018 and 2021.”

Toney may be too expensive for Premier League return

Ivan Toney is another player linked with West Ham, and the Daily Mail believes Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are also interested.

However, tax arrangements in Saudi Arabia, plus his high wages at Al Ahli, mean British clubs could be scared off the 29-year-old forward.

“When he left Brentford for £33.5 million, the 29-year-old signed a four-year contract with Al Ahli in August 2024 that will net him around £400,000 a week after tax, rising to £500,000 a week with add-ons and performance bonuses.

“For a similar take-home pay in the UK, given taxes, Premier League clubs would need to pay him around £900,000 a week.

“Premier League clubs such as Tottenham, Everton and West Ham are among those looking for a striker in January who have made early soundings about Toney’s availability, but the likely financial commitment involved is an obvious stumbling block.

“With that in mind, a move in January seems unlikely unless Toney is willing to take a substantial pay cut and a hit on the money he has already earned in Saudi.”

United and Arsenal track Eichhorn

Manchester United are one of several teams credited with an interest in Hertha Berlin teenager Kennet Eichhorn.

Top European sides including Arsenal, as well as Bundesliga outfits Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen are all said to be keen on the 16-year-old.

“The 2009-born defensive midfielder joined Hertha’s academy at Under-9 level, and, still just 16 years old, has already established himself as a regular starter in the first team and been named captain of Germany’s U17 side.

“He has made nine 2. Bundesliga appearances this campaign, seven of which were starts, and also played 71 minutes of a DFB Pokal win over Elversberg.

“Eichhorn’s performances have caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Man United, who are keen to bolster their midfield options.

“Domestically, a variety of Bundesliga sides are also thought to be keen, including the giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested.”