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According to Calciomercato, West Ham United are ‘closely following’ Hoffenheim forward Joelinton ahead of a potential summer move.
What’s the word, then?
This is not the first time that a Premier League club has been linked with Joelinton. Indeed, Newcastle United were credited with an interest last month.
According to the report, Newcastle were in talks to land the Brazilian forward in a £52m deal, which did seem a bit farfetched at the time, and still does now.
Calciomercato, though, claim that West Ham are having a look at the 22-year-old, who has been in strong form during the 2018-19 campaign.
Indeed, Joelinton has scored 11 times and contributed nine assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for Hoffenheim, including seven goals in the Bundesliga.
The South American has recently been quoted as saying that he is ‘very happy’ at Hoffenheim, but it remains to be seen what occurs in this summer’s transfer window.
Should West Ham make a move?
It does seem likely that West Ham will move for a new centre-forward this summer as Andy Carroll prepares to leave on a free transfer.
The futures of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, meanwhile, are also far from secure.
There is no question that Joelinton is a talent, but his experience of top-level football is quite limited.
This is the striker’s first campaign as a key player for Hoffenheim, having spent each of the last two seasons on loan with Rapid Vienna.
If Hoffenheim are indeed demanding upwards of £50m for the attacker then it is simply too much of a risk for West Ham to pursue a deal.
And the Hammers would be better off reigniting their interest in Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez, who looks certain to leave his Spanish club this summer.