Fulham are now readying a January offer for an “incredibly prolific” striker, who has been very impressive in the Champions League this season.
Cottagers keen on new striker despite Jimenez's return to form
With Rodrigo Muniz missing the last six Premier League games due to a hamstring injury, Raul Jimenez has been given the nod at centre-forward, but the Mexican hasn’t exactly been prolific this season, netting three goals in the top flight.
However, the 34-year-old did return to form in the last match, scoring the only goal as the Cottagers picked up a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, which saw them move ten points clear of the relegation zone.
Having put in some impressive performances in recent weeks, winning three of their last five Premier League games, Marco Silva’s side have allayed fears of relegation, and they can now start looking at making a push up the table.
Silva could perhaps do with some more attacking firepower, however, especially considering Jimenez is now 34-years-old, and the west Londoners are now readying an offer for a new centre-forward.
That is according to a report from Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness), which states Fulham are now preparing a formal January bid in the region of €35m (£31m) for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi, who has been on their shortlist since last season.
However, it could be difficult to tempt the Dutch side into sanctioning a departure, as they aren’t keen on selling Pepi mid-way through a season, especially considering they are competing for the Eredivisie title.
The striker may also want to remain at PSV, given that Champions League football is on offer at the Philips Stadion, and he has put in some top performances in Europe’s elite competition this season…
Fulham frontrunners to sign "scary" £44m star who Marco Silva knows well
The Cottagers hold serious interest in signing a new forward.
ByDominic Lund "Incredibly prolific" Pepi tearing it up in Europe
Lauded as “incredibly prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this month, the American has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring in each of his last four league games, which takes his tally to seven for the season in the Eredivisie.
Not only that, but the 22-year-old has also been tearing it up in the Champions League, chipping in with three goals and one assist in five outings, despite predominantly being utilised as a substitute.
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With Rodrigo Muniz, who scored eight Premier League goals last season, set to return early in the New Year, it may not be completely necessary to buy a new striker in the January transfer window.
However, as Jimenez is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, a long-term replacement may be required in the summer, and Pepi could be ideal.