West Ham United have made contact with Genoa regarding a £25-30m move for their Icelandic forward Albert Gudmundsson, according to a report from Caught Offside.

The 27-year-old impressed in Serie A last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 4 assists in 35 appearances. This form has also led to him being linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan.

In the last few years of Lopetagui’s career, he has used a big man up top who is very good in the air and getting on the end of crosses. This is arguably Gudmundsson’s weakest area as a striker.

By trade, he is an attacking midfielder or wide player but he has thrived since moving into the number nine role last campaign. The Iceland international has a lot of good traits that could help him succeed in the Premier League, despite his small 5’8 frame.

His key passing and dribbling statistics are very impressive, he can also hold the ball up well, despite not being tall, and is very impressive from set-pieces. A huge benefit for any team. However, his best trait is arguably his crossing, something he rarely has to do playing as a striker.

Gudmundsson has played the majority of his career on the left, where his crossing was very effective. This means he could be a good option out on the left if Lopetegui wishes to sign another forward or use Michail Antonio or Jarrod Bowen centrally.

Julen Lopetegui likes his full-backs to create the width, while the wide attackers drift inside and support the striker, which would be very similar to the role that Gudmundsson played and succeded in with Geona last campaign.

He has been partnered at Geona with Italy international Mateo Retegui this season. This really helped boost his creation numbers as he plays just off of the 6’1 Italian. Gudmundsson is in the top 6% for shot-creating actions amongst forwards in Europe’s top 5 leagues. He is also in the top 10% for passes attempted and progressive carries.

This proves that he should play deeper if signed by West Ham this summer, meaning another striker signing would be required. However, that possibility will likely depend on sales, due to the need for players in other positions.