West Ham have gone about their summer transfer business looking to reshape their squad. After a relatively satisfactory season, the fans who saw their team play good football and show sufficient pedigree to compete with the big clubs would have been slightly disappointed at having missed out on an otherwise improbable Champions League spot having been in and around the qualification spots throughout the league. They finished in the 7th place with a club record 62 points thereby securing a Europa qualifiers spot.
The Hammers are preparing a grand start in their new stadium Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which has a seating capacity of 60,000 and they have shown intent throughout the window having being proactive in the market and they have also tied-down their star performers from last season on longer contracts.
West Ham have repeatedly being linked with strikers all throughout the summer, with none of their front men putting in convincing performances at a stretch last season. And their manager, Slaven Bilic has reiterated that despite having a good roster of strikers they were looking to add a striker who would add quality to the side.
Diafra Sakho, who has been impressive in short spells, lost his starting place towards the end of the season. And the prevailing striker situation at West Ham has resulted in him seeking a move elsewhere. According to reports he has handed in a transfer request in the hope of forcing the club to accept offers for him. He has already being subjected to a £11m bid from Sunderland which has been summarily rejected by the Hammers. The player has also been linked with West Brom who are in search of a marksman themselves. He was also rumoured to have been a target for Sunderland while Sam Allardyce was still at the club. But West Ham are unwilling to sell him before a replacement is confirmed.
Three players who would prove a suitable replacement for the want-away striker have been listed below.
CARLOS BACCA
The Columbian has been a top target for the Hammers and they are said to be very close to securing his signature. This transfer looks like materialising, with the Olympic Park outfit having tabled a £25.7m bid which reportedly triggers his release clause. David Gold has informed on twitter that the fee had been agreed between the two clubs and they were waiting on the player’s decision.
While it was understood Bacca fancied a move to Sevilla due to their Champions League status, the Spanish club have ruled out a move for the player thus boosting West Ham’s chances. The Columbian has netted 18 goals in the Serie A last season and has been an ever-present fixture for AC Milan. He would provide a good and competitive outlet for the various creative players in the West Ham outfit.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
The 32 year old Dutch international has reportedly been offered to West Ham along with a host of other clubs. He brings along undoubted Premier League pedigree having scored 144 league goals for Arsenal and Manchester United.
Although he has netted 14 times in 29 appearances since his move to Turkey, he has failed to settle in his new surroundings and is said to be looking for a return to England. But reports suggest even with a significant pay-cut he would have ended up as one of Hammer’s top-earners and this has prompted West Ham to go cold on the approach.
WILFRIED BONY
The Ivorian hasn’t been able to settle at Manchester City and has started just 17 matches in all competitions for them. West Ham were said to be interested in the striker before he joined Swansea and with Bony looking for regular playing time would be a good fit for West Ham. Despite his struggles at City he is still considered someone who can trouble Premier League defences in a team which suits his playing style. But his wage demands are said to a stumbling for a club not in the Champions League.
