West Ham target Ricardo Pepi not for sale in January | OneFootball

West Ham United will face disappointment in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi.

The Dutch giants are fighting to win the Eredivisie. They also advanced to the UEFA Champions League play-offs thanks to the West Ham target.

Pepi was instrumental in the triumph, scoring once and assisting another, further solidifying his value to the Eredivisie leaders.

Pepi has been in scintillating form since joining PSV in 2023, registering 28 goals and six assists in 68 appearances.

With 18 goals and three assists in 29 games this season and 13 goals in 33 caps for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), Pepi remains a tantalising prospect for West Ham – if they can convince PSV to change their stance or perhaps sort a deal for next summer.

West Ham are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the February 3 transfer deadline, with first-choice options Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Jarrod Bowen all sidelined due to injuries.

Despite this setback, the Hammers are expected to return with an improved €35 million offer for the 22-year-old.

West Ham’s transfer window has been filled with frustration, having had a £57 million bid for Aston Villa centre-forward Jhon Duran rejected before the striker opted for a move to Saudi side Al Nassr.

Meanwhile, their ongoing pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson hangs in the balance even though many thought the Hammers had the upper hand because of manager Graham Potter, who has worked with him before.

The Irons have turned to Pepi, but more disappointment awaits in their bid to bring the former Augsburg forward to the London Stadium.