Niclas Fullkrug’s time at West Ham may be nearing its end after a disappointing debut season in East London.

The thirty-two-year-old German striker has struggled with fitness, managing just seventeen Premier League appearances since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund. His public criticism of Graham Potter’s tactics after the one-one draw with Southampton on April nineteenth only added fuel to the speculation about his future.

Now, it appears the Hammers are ready to act.

According to Caught Offside, Potter has identified Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos as his number one target to lead the line next season. The Lazio striker, who has scored ten Serie A goals this campaign, is reportedly attracting interest from Everton and Wolves — but West Ham are believed to be leading the race.

A bid in the region of twenty-five to thirty million pounds is expected, with co-chairman David Sullivan said to be setting aside a “significant budget” to secure a proven forward this summer.

Castellanos, formerly of New York City FC, has notched up fourteen goals and eight assists in thirty-nine appearances this season across all competitions. His blend of physicality, work rate, and technical sharpness makes him a potentially perfect fit for English football — and exactly what Potter needs to fix West Ham’s attacking woes.

Potter, who has managed just four wins in seventeen matches, is under no illusions. This transfer window is crucial, and if West Ham are serious about turning things around, they need goals — and quickly.

Bringing in Castellanos would not only signal a fresh start but also strike a blow to David Moyes’ Everton, with the former Hammers boss rumoured to be chasing the Argentine forward as well.

With players like Fullkrug expected to depart, this summer could mark the beginning of a major reshuffle in East London — and Castellanos might just be the first name through the door.