West Ham’s attempt to sign Club Brugge midfielder Ardon Jashari has come to nothing, as the 22-year-old has turned down the club’s approach in favour of a move to AC Milan.
West Ham had contacted both Brugge and Jashari’s agents to confirm they were ready to table a formal offer. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Jashari has made it clear he only wants to join Milan.
Jashari Firm on AC Milan Transfer
Despite West Ham’s willingness to act quickly in their summer rebuild, the Switzerland international had already set his sights firmly on the San Siro. Talks never moved forward after Jashari made his intentions known.
Hammers News reported similar details and included direct comments from AC Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare, who confirmed Jashari’s desire to join the Italian giants. Tare told Tuttomercatoweb: “We want him to come to Milan, and he wants to come. We think we have made an important offer.”
He added, “It’s a situation you already know about. This is his will, to play for this team.”
West Ham Left Frustrated in £35m Jashari Pursuit
The Hammers had been tracking Jashari for some time and were believed to be ready to pay a fee in the region of £35 million. However, the deal was always going to be difficult given the player’s lack of interest in a Premier League switch.
Despite making initial contact and expressing intent to make a proposal, West Ham could not change the midfielder’s mind. Jashari’s name had also been linked with other European big hitters like PSG, Man City, and Manchester United, but it’s clear his current focus is on Milan.
Related Article: West Ham’s Move for Ardon Jashari Knocked Back as Milan Make First Move
Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika Emerges as Alternative Option
With the Jashari deal dead, attention could now shift within Club Brugge, as Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika is still believed to be available. Reports suggest Onyedika would consider a move to London, should West Ham firm up their interest.
Personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle, though no official bid has been submitted at this stage.
Yunus Musah a Midfield Option as West Ham Reassess
Another name under discussion is AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah. Sources at Hammers News report that Musah’s camp has reached out to West Ham, testing the waters for a possible move.
Igli Tare has indicated Milan are open to parting with the American due to their updated midfield strategy. “Musah does not have the characteristics we’re looking for. This is the real reason we want to do something different,” he said.
With Jashari officially out of the frame, and Onyedika and Musah emerging as potential alternatives, West Ham’s search for midfield reinforcements continues ahead of the new season.
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