West Ham closing in on double signing as transfer window closes
West Ham have been one of the most active teams in Europe this transfer window. They look set to add at least one more name to the list this week.
The summer has been full of activity for West Ham, and fans are happy. Gone are the dreary days of watching our targets disappear, and hope seems to have returned. However it seems that Pellegrini isn’t quite done yet.
When he took over the Chilean was clear that he wanted things done his way. He wanted the ability to makeover the entire squad, and impress his style on the team. Now with less than a week left of the transfer window, it seems he wants two more options in the final third of the pitch.
Lucas Perez
It’s been rumoured for a while that Pellegrini wanted a striker brought in, with Hugill set to depart the club (either on loan or permanently) and Carroll always injured or on the verge of it, it makes sense to have backups in place. Chicharito is a good finisher and Arnautovic is effective as a striker, but an out and out No.9 is always good to have.
Arsenal have signed Aubameyang and Lacazette in recent years, and I would imagine that other youngsters would also be getting their turn above Lucas Perez. Although he never really made an impact at Arsenal, he is Premier League quality. To have him on the bench as a backup striker would be a huge upgrade on previous seasons.
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
At 29 he still has years ahead of him, and the rumoured 7m pricetag for a goalscorer can’t be ignored. Even if it is a loan with an option to by, which I understand West Ham are interested in, it would represent a chance for the club to improve and the player to show he still has it. However if there are other clubs looking to get him and offering first team football, we can’t compete. I imagine this deal now comes down to the player.
Bernard
Despite this transfer being put to bed earlier this summer, it seems that with time marching on the Brazilian winger Bernard has reduced his wage demands, meaning the Hammers are interested again. With 14 international caps to his name, the winger is too good to be a free agent for long.
Whilst it’s not an area that needs immediate re-inforcement, Bernard would represent a huge upgrade on Antonio and Snodgrass. At 25 he still has many years to play at his best and improve. If a deal could be sorted for him then it would represent another coup for the club, and one that Pellegrini will be very happy with.
Next. Near Perfect Preseason for Hammers and Pellegrini. dark
That being said, I would like to see us add some central midfield quality if possible. Rice is improving but still raw, Obiang and Wilshere are injury worries whilst Noble doesn’t always seem to be on form. Whilst he’s still club captain, we need to start bringing in quality around him, and enabling him to be fresh for the matches he needs to play.