West Ham United are reportedly plotting an audacious swoop for Montpellier attacker Gaetan Laborde before the end of the transfer window.
According to Le10Sport, West Ham boss David Moyes is on the lookout for fresh faces to bolster his strikeforce and has set his sights on the 27-year-old Frenchman.
Laborde has provided a consistent supply of goals for Montpellier since arriving from Bordeaux in 2018. Last season, he netted 16 times and chipped in with eight assists as Montpellier finished eighth in Ligue 1.
He also started the current season brightly, scoring in two of Montpellier’s first three league games.
Laborde has two years left on his current contract and Montpellier are reportedly willing to part with him for a fee in the region of €15million-€20 million.
Gaetan Laborde to West Ham United – A good option for Moyes?
David Moyes masterminded a sixth-place finish for West Ham in the Premier League last season, which earned the Hammers a spot in the Europa League. But they have failed to add to their squad since then and run the risk of stagnating this season.
West Ham have only brought in Alphonse Areola so far, and they must now prioritise the signing of an attacker. The sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January has left the club with just one out-and-out forward in Michail Antonio.
Antonio has been a revelation for West Ham the last few seasons, but he is prone to picking up injuries. Thus, they need an additional striker to take some of the scoring burden off Antonio and also serve as cover in case of injury. In that regard, a move for Laborde makes total sense.
The 27-year-old is similar to Antonio in some ways. He is quick and powerful and can keep defenders on their toes with his clever movement. Laborde is also extremely strong in the air. He won 3.7 aerial duels per game last season and averaged 2.6 shots on goal.
West Ham have capable wingers in the shape of Jarrod Bowen, Andriy Yarmolenko and Said Benrahma, and Laborde should fit in nicely. The Frenchman is also versatile and can play anywhere across the frontline. He has a decent passing range and can get involved in the build-up play. The former Bordeaux man also has a great engine and can press high up the field.
Laborde will certainly strengthen West Ham’s frontline and at around €15 million, he would be a shrewd signing.