Exclusive - West Ham have made their move to sign Brentford's Said Benrahma by submitting an offer of £17m plus add-ons for the forward on Friday evening.
The 25-year-old played a vital role in Brentford's charge to the Championship play-off final in 2019/20, netting 17 times and providing a further nine assists in 43 league games (excluding the play-offs). But with the Bees unable to secure promotion to the top flight, a number of clubs have since shown an interest in Benrahma.
90min learned towards the end of August that Arsenal were interested in a double deal for Benrahma and David Raya, with the former being recommended to the Gunners after his displays last term. Crystal Palace also entered the race in September, making a loan offer with an obligation to buy. However, the player himself was uncertain over a move to Selhurst Park.
Now a source has confirmed to 90min that West Ham have now made their move for the Algerian by making a £17m offer plus add-ons for his services on Friday.
The Bees value Benrahma at closer to £25m, but they are yet to officially respond to the Hammers' offer. West Ham were fairly quiet during the summer transfer window with regards to incomings, but they are now looking to make their move to strengthen ahead of 16 October deadline for domestic transfers in England.
Brentford's menacing 'BMW' front three from 2019/20 has been split up, following the sale of Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa for around £30m with add-ons in September. There were question marks as to whether he would be able to perform in the Premier League, but he has since answered those questions - especially after his stunning hat-trick against Liverpool last time out.
David Moyes' West Ham side have made a fairly strong start to the season - the wins over Wolves and Leicester being obvious high points so far - with the front three of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Pablo Fornals all impressing. But following the departure of Felipe Anderson on loan, there is a need to add strength in depth in attack.
Benrahma would bring versatility, creativity and goals to this Hammers team, while he would also bring a different dimension to the attack. But it remains to be seen whether or not their offer for the talented forward will be accepted by Brentford at this late stage in the window.
Source: 90min
