Alexandre Lacazette
After missing out on Bacca, West Ham turned their attention to Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as time during that same transfer window was running out.
Targeting the Frenchman was certainly a signal intent from the club as Lacazette was considered to be one of the most in-form strikers in Europe during the past couple of seasons as he netted 31 and 23 times, respectively.
The Hammers reportedly bid up to 50 million Euros for the hitman, but Lyon briskly turned it down much to the West Ham fans disappointment.
West Ham haggled and negotiated throughout the remainder of the window but the French club stood strong and refused to let go of their prized possession, again, to the Irons’ supporters dismay.
Lacazette went on to have another blistering campaign at Lyon before earning a move to Premier League giants Arsenal for a similar price to which the Hammers were offering just a year before, which in turn stabbed a further dagger into the hearts of the West Ham fanbase.
Overall during his time at the Emirates Stadium, the Frenchman has been largely underwhelming considering his price tag and his goal-scoring reputation beforehand.
59 goals in 157 for the Gunners is a respectable haul, but he has often been outshone by his teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has proven to be the talisman in north London.
Despite this, he has certainly gone on to have the most successful career, individually at least, out of the failed Hammers targets, whilst he also helped Arsenal win the 2020 FA Cup to add to his resume.