ADAM ARMSTRONG
With six goals in six games in all competitions so far this season, Adam Armstrong is a man on fire. The former Newcastle youngster has shown that he’s improving from his great season last year when he scored sixteen goals for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
Armstrong is blessed with pace, and a high work rate which would make him a great option should Antonio pick up an injury. However, the 23-year-old does not have the height of Antonio or King, standing at 1.73 metres.
He would not offer the same ariel threat as the Hammers current options. Being shorter may not be a bad thing as Armstrong could form a solid partnership with Haller, in a classic big man, small man combo.
That being said, Armstrong is currently playing as a lone-striker in Blackburn’s 4-3-3 set-up. This does mean that the striker could be given a chance to replicate Antonio’s job.
Armstrong would be cheaper than Grant and King, especially with Blackburn’s current financial position. Rovers are reliant on investment from their owners and could be forced into a sale to help balance the books.
Currently valued at £3.6 million on transfermarkt.com, the Hammers would be lucky to get him for anything close to that. But, a bid of £8-£10 million could be enough to convince Blackburn to sell their prized asset.
The chase for King may not be over as the player has already held discussion with his club about a move away. The Hammers also believe that his fee should be lower, but if it does fall through there are some good alternatives.