West Ham In Advanced Talks To Sign Brentford Star Said Benrahma, Report Says

KEY POINTS

West Ham is in the lead for Said Benrahma's services, a report says
The Brentford winger was also linked to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Aston Villa
The Hammers have until Oct. 16 to get the deal done

West Ham United F.C. is believed to be nearing a deal to sign Said Benrahma, according to a report.

Sky Sports reported that West Ham is in advanced talks with Brentford FC to sign the 25-year-old winger in a deal that could be worth roughly £30 million ($39 million). The Hammers and the Bees could close a deal before Oct. 16, the final day for Premier League clubs to sign players from the EFL. International Business Times could not independently verify the information.

Aside from West Ham, there were multiple teams interested in Benrahma's services. The list includes Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

The interest in Benrahma, who is currently on international duty, is understandable. He had a superb showing for the Bees during the 2019-20 season. With Brentford, Benrahma had 17 goals to go with nine assists in 46 league appearances.

If the deal is sealed, Benrahma would be the second player leaving Brentford. Ollie Watkins has moved out and is now with Aston Villa following an initial £28 million ($36.5 million). Those figures could potentially rise to £33 million ($43 million), plus add-ons, Football London reported.

The 24-year-old had reportedly hoped to join the Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Talks were held, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy found the asking price too high and tried to negotiate for a lower price. Hence, Brentford ended up dealing Watkins to Aston, a move that would reunite him with former Brentford manager Dean Smith.

Though it appears West Ham may have the inside track on Benrahma, other teams could still dangle an improved bid. Arsenal is believed to be ready to make an offer for the Algerian and his teammate David Raya. Mikel Arteta could push a bid for the duo as he tries to improve the Gunners attacking line, Football 365 reported.

But right now, the only thing official is that the Hammers are ramping up their bid for Benrahma. If the Bees are given no other offers before Oct. 16, there is a chance that the Algerian player could be seeing action in West Ham’s scheduled tiff with the Spurs on Oct. 18.