West Ham United’s reported interest in Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe has hit a roadblock, with the Premier League club yet to make an official offer for the Brazil-born Italy international, writes the HITC. Despite Felipe’s representatives informing Real Betis about West Ham’s strong interest and their hope for a potential £17 million deal, progress has been slow. Real Betis is still waiting for an official offer from West Ham, and several factors, including uncertainties surrounding Declan Rice’s future and the need for midfield reinforcements, may be contributing to the delay.
According to Estadio Deportivo, West Ham’s interest in Luiz Felipe was conveyed to Real Betis by the player’s representatives over a week ago. Talks were expected to open, with a potential fee of around £17 million in mind. However, since then, there has been a noticeable silence, with no official offer from West Ham materializing. It is unclear why West Ham has not made a move yet, but concerns about the high price tag for a center-back and a greater need for midfield reinforcements, especially amid the unresolved Declan Rice transfer saga, could be contributing factors.
The ongoing speculation surrounding Declan Rice’s potential move to Arsenal has added to West Ham’s frustrations. Despite medical tests reportedly being conducted, no official announcement has been made regarding Rice’s proposed £105 million transfer to the Emirates Stadium. The delay in finalizing the Rice deal has left West Ham growing increasingly concerned, as it hampers their ability to reinvest the substantial fee and secure their primary transfer targets.
The situation surrounding Luiz Felipe’s potential move to West Ham mirrors the Harvey Barnes situation, where the Leicester City winger was initially a top target for the club but is now leaning toward joining Newcastle United. Reports linking Edson Alvarez with a move to West Ham have also gone quiet in recent days. Ultimately, it appears that concluding the Declan Rice deal swiftly would serve the best interests of all parties involved, including West Ham, Real Betis, and Luiz Felipe himself.
While West Ham United’s interest in Luiz Felipe has been communicated to Real Betis, the anticipated progress in negotiations has yet to materialize. The club’s focus on resolving the Declan Rice transfer saga and the need to reinforce their midfield may be affecting their pursuit of the Brazilian defender. With West Ham growing increasingly frustrated, time is of the essence to finalize the Rice deal, enabling the club to move forward with their transfer plans. Resolving these uncertainties will not only benefit West Ham but also pave the way for potential moves, including the pursuit of Luiz Felipe, to proceed smoothly.