West Ham United have been linked with a move for 25-year-old Colombian midfielder Richard Rios this summer.

According to a report by Corriere della Sera via Sport Witness, Richard Rios has turned down an offer from West Ham United as he prefers to join AS Roma. The 25-year-old has impressed at Palmeiras, attracting interest from several European clubs, including West Ham.

The Hammers need more creativity and drive in midfield, and signing the Colombian international would have been a smart move. Rios has the talent to succeed in the Premier League, and he could have become a key player for them.

It will be interesting to see whether AS Roma can get the deal over the line. The Serie A outfit need midfield reinforcements, and they are one of Italy’s biggest clubs. It is no surprise that Rios is drawn to them.

On the other hand, West Ham endured a disappointing 2024/25 season, finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League. That may have made them a less appealing destination for top-tier talent.

Still, West Ham have the financial capacity to make a strong offer, and they might attempt to outbid AS Roma with a more lucrative contract. It remains to be seen whether they can persuade the player to reconsider if they further their interest with another bid.

Can West Ham convince Rios to join?

Ríos has been linked with a Premier League move in recent months. The opportunity to join a major European club is likely an exciting one, and time will tell where he ends up. The South American midfielder has the attributes to thrive in English football, but he may be holding out for a bigger club than West Ham.

West Ham managed to win a European trophy not so long ago. They will look to get back to their level soon. The Hammers need to spend money this summer to improve their squad. They have already sanctioned the departure of a key player like Mohammed Kudus. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in a quality replacement.

The East London outfit need more drive and physical in the middle of the park, and South American certainly fits the profile. However, convincing him to join the club will be a massive challenge for West Ham after the season they had. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.