West Ham United have had a roller coaster ride in the Premier League this campaign but then they have unarguably fallen short in meeting the yardsticks that they probably would have drawn for themselves at the start of the season.
After 28 league games, the Hammers are placed 10th in the league table with merely 33 points and in a season where they should have been locking swords with the heavyweights, they have been timorous throughout the campaign. A mediocre finish for the London-based outfit appears to be on the cards, implying yet another season bereft of anything productive or substantial.
Finding the back of the net has been one of the major issues for Slaven Bilic. As a matter of fact, he was left scratching his head after the departure of world-class forward- Dimitri Payet. Owing to the Frenchman’s departure, West Ham United now have lost the one world class player in their ranks though the results did not take a severe beating after that.
Bilic’s troops have managed to score merely 38 goals so far in the Premier League and despite digging deep for a striker, they have failed to come up with the goods in that department.
With the financial muscle, the Londoners possess as a Premier League outfit, signing a sensational central striker shall hold paramount importance for them. As the latest reports suggest, West Ham United are believed to be on the right track, as they are plotting a move for Juventus’ striker Mario Mandzukic in the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old has been under the heat of intense competition from fellow striker Gonzalo Higuain after the Zebras broke the bank to lure him into their ranks. Mandzukic banged in 13 goals for Juventus last season but has been rather erratic so far and owing to the competition, he might be all ears to a possible exit at the end of the ongoing term.
At a time when Bilic is looking for a renowned striker, his fellow countryman should fit the bill. Bilic and Mandzukic have worked together for the national side and apparently, a reunion is wanted at the London Stadium. The former Atletico Madrid striker might not have been as prolific as he was desired to be, but he is still a lethal attacker and with the experience and calibre he has, West Ham United could strike gold if they manage to take the deal over the line.
Statistics Credits: Squawka
