West Ham United are set to launch a bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, as manager Nuno Espírito Santo urgently seeks to strengthen his attacking options this January.
Hammers Make Norwegian Forward a Priority Target
With the club entrenched in a fierce Premier League relegation battle, sitting in 18th place, Nuno has identified the acquisition of a new centre-forward as critical to survival hopes. The 25-year-old Norwegian international has emerged as the primary target for the London Stadium hierarchy.
It is understood that Wolves value Strand Larsen at around £40 million, a significant sum for a player who has found the net only three times this season for the league's bottom side. West Ham's readiness to meet that valuation remains unclear, especially as they are concurrently arranging a loan move for German striker Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan.
Strand Larsen's Mixed Fortunes in England
Jørgen Strand Larsen joined Wolves from Spanish side Celta Vigo in 2024 and enjoyed a promising debut campaign, scoring 14 Premier League goals last season. That form even attracted interest from Newcastle United during the summer.
However, the current season has proved far more challenging for the forward, mirroring his team's overall struggles. His difficulty in consistently finding the net has been a factor in Wolves' inability to climb away from the danger zone.
Nuno's Search for Proven Quality
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is specifically looking for players with experience in English football to provide an immediate impact. While the club has also considered Coventry City's Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, as well as Viktoria Plzen's Rafiu Durosinmi, Strand Larsen is the favoured option.
West Ham's striking resources are currently threadbare, with veteran Callum Wilson the only recognised senior option. This has forced Nuno to deploy wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville in central roles recently.
The club's attempts to bolster other areas have hit obstacles, notably a failed loan move for Manchester City defender Nathan Aké, who was not interested in a switch to east London. This makes the pursuit of a proven goalscorer like Strand Larsen even more pressing as the January window progresses.
