West Ham had a busy summer bolstering each and every department at the club. However, one area that needed to be addressed the most is still not addressed properly. During the last season, lack of a regular goal threat up front hurt West Ham United and everybody expected the Hammers to sign a proven striker at the European stage this summer. Yes, West Ham reinforced their attack this summer but the players they brought in do not really fit the definition of a 15-goal forward.
West Ham signed young striker duo Ashley Fletcher and Toni Martinez this summer while they also signed highly-rated Jonathan Calleri on loan. Fletcher and Martinez are clearly players for the future but Calleri, on a season-loan does not make much sense. The highly-rated Argentine forward has plenty of potential but lacks experience at the European stage. West Ham could afford him the time to settle if it was a permanent deal but as things stand, West Ham would still benefit if they sign a striker proven at the bigger stage.
If reports from The Daily Mail are to be believed, the Hammers are looking to secure a loan deal for Manchester City outcast Wilfred Bony. The aforementioned report claims that the Citizens have let the Ivorian know that he is deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad. The Ivorian made his big-money move to Manchester City from Swansea City back in January 2015 but could score just 11 times from 46 games.
During his time at Etihad, Bony had to play second fiddle to Sergio Aguero while youngster Kelechi Iheanacho also was ahead of him in the pecking order last season. Yes, Bony has been a massive flop at Etihad but still remains a proven Premier League striker.
During his time at Swansea, Bony was one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League. The 27-year-old played just 70 games for the Swans and scored 35 goals. One goal in every two games, that’s quite impressive strike rate. Given the wealth of creativity West Ham possess, Bony can be an instant success at the Olympic Stadium.
At the closing stages of the last season, we saw Andy Carroll striking for fun for the Hammers. So, it’s quite clear that a target man like Bony would easily fit West Ham’s counter attacking game. A brilliant finisher, someone who can hold the ball up for his teammates, a menace in the air- Bony has all the ingredients to become a hit for West Ham.
