West Ham United are currently evaluating the possibility of signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor after the 24-year-old failed a medical at RB Leipzig, according to reports from The Boot Room on January 20. Milan, aware of Okafor’s uncertain future, have reportedly offered the Swiss international to the Irons, who had previously shown interest in the player, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. This development comes at a crucial juncture for West Ham, who have been grappling with a lack of attacking depth, particularly following the injuries to key players like Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen.

Okafor, who joined Milan in the summer of 2023 from RB Salzburg, has had a challenging start to life in Italy. Despite his potential, the forward has only found the back of the net once in Serie A this season, a disappointing return for a player known for his sharpness in front of goal. However, his history at Salzburg, where he was a consistent goal scorer in both domestic and European competitions, shows that he does have the pedigree to succeed in top leagues. His ability to play across the forward line and offer versatility would provide West Ham with much-needed depth and an additional threat, particularly given their struggles in the attacking third.

West Ham’s recent form, including a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, has highlighted their need for a reliable goal scorer. With Bowen and Füllkrug sidelined, David Moyes’ side has found it difficult to break down opponents and create consistent goal-scoring opportunities. Their current attacking options have been far from clinical, and unless the club addresses this deficiency, they risk slipping further down the table, which would make it difficult for manager Graham Potter to turn around the team’s season.

The opportunity to sign Okafor could be a timely boost for the Hammers. His proven ability at Salzburg, combined with the potential for improvement under the right management and a better supporting cast at West Ham, suggests he could thrive in the Premier League. His movement, technical ability, and work ethic could complement the existing attacking players, and with the right coaching, he could help address the club’s ongoing goalscoring woes.

However, Okafor’s potential move to West Ham is not without competition. Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth are also reportedly interested in the forward, meaning West Ham will have to act decisively if they want to secure his signature. As of now, the club is said to be holding off on making an immediate decision, which suggests they are weighing their options carefully and considering what would be best for their squad in both the short and long term.

Despite his underwhelming stint at Milan, Okafor remains an intriguing prospect for clubs in need of a striker. His recent struggles at Milan may have been influenced by a lack of consistent playing time and the adjustment to a new league, but his past form and natural abilities make him a potential bargain for West Ham if they can strike a deal. Milan, too, will likely be open to offloading the forward if they can recoup some of their investment, especially with the player not fully fulfilling the expectations set for him since his arrival.

For West Ham, signing Okafor would be a proactive move to rectify their attacking problems before the situation becomes even more critical. With a crucial stretch of fixtures approaching, securing a striker who can add quality to their forward line would help lift the team’s overall performance and bring more balance to their attack. However, the Irons must act swiftly and decisively in the coming weeks, as interest from other Premier League clubs and abroad could make the race for Okafor a highly competitive one. All eyes will be on the transfer window as West Ham seek reinforcements to help bolster their squad and ensure they remain competitive in the Premier League.