West Ham in talks for AFC Bournemouth Ace
AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King is a reported target for West Ham, as the club try to strengthen before the end of the domestic window.
West Ham have had a disappointing transfer window so far, Vladimir Coufal is the only new addition to the senior team that finished 16th last season. The Hammers need to reinforce the squad further, especially in the striker position.
Currently, there is only one recognised striker at the club, Sebastien Haller. The Frenchman is the club’s record signing. After an inconsistent stint at the club no longer fits the current system being used by David Moyes.
The Scottish manager has preferred to use winger Michail Antonio in the striker position. Antonio has been in great form recently, scoring twelve goals in his last fifteen Premier League appearances. The converted striker also became the first Hammer to score in five consecutive away games in the League.
The concern West Ham have with Antonio is his fitness. The 30-year-old has missed sizable periods of football over the last few years and the club need a backup to him. Haller is not able to perform the role like Antonio. The 26-year-old does not possess the same work rate among other attributes.
The Hammers must move for someone with a similar playing style to Antonio.
This is were Joshua King could prove to be a fantastic signing. The Norweigan has a lot of the same traits as Antonio. The 28-year-old is quick, good in the air and a lethal finisher, King deserves another chance in the Premier League.
King has contributed towards at least ten goals a season since 2015. Only once has the striker not managed to contribute to ten goals in the Premier League and that was in the 2015/16 season. The Manchester United academy graduate can play across the front line and could offer back-up to multiple positions.
A deal could be on the cards as it is reported the Cherries want to be rid of him as they can’t afford to pay his wages in the Championship. King could be available for £10 million as he is in the final year of his contract according to the Telegraph.
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West Ham could face competition for the striker’s signature from West Brom. Former Hammer and current Baggies manager Slaven Bilic is on the hunt for a new striker after injury forced Hal Robson-Kanu into surgery and onto the sidelines. So the Hammers will have to move fast to get King.