Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite has ‘turned down’ a proposal from West Ham as he wants to remain at a top club should he leave the Camp Nou.
That’s according to Sport, who say the striker does not want to take a step down from his current level.
Braithwaite has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer, with the arrival of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero pushing him down the pecking order.
That, coupled with Barcelona’s desperate need to reduce the wage bill and bring funds into the club, means he has been on the transfer list for some time.
West Ham have long been linked with an interest, and they were reportedly again trying to make a deal happen this summer as David Moyes looks to strengthen his forward line.
It seems their efforts have been in vain, though, with Sport reporting that Braithwaite has turned both West Ham and Brighton down.
They explain that despite both offers being ‘financially interesting’ for him, he does not want to take a ‘step back in his career’
Having played for Esbjerg, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Middlesbrough and Leganes in his career, the 30-year-old wants to enjoy the most competitive football he can and be in good shape for the World Cup next year.
Thus, there is every chance he could now remain, particularly after his impressive display in the opening game of the season.
Next week could be decisive given it’s the end of the window, but for West Ham, it appears they would be best turning their attention elsewhere.
