Despite having the likes of Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll, Marko Arnautovic, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew on their roster, it is being reported that West Ham United are seeking the signature of Villareal forward Cedric Bakambu. West Ham’s chase of the DR Congo international failed in the summer with the striker opting to remain in the club after confirming that West Ham wanted him during the pre-season.
However, it seems right now that West Ham are unwilling to give up on their chase of the striker and are reportedly still keen on bringing him to London. The 26-year-old has scored a decent 42 goals and set up 6 assists in his 98 outings for Villareal. He is enjoying a stellar 2017-18 season for the Spanish outfit and has scored 9 goals in 14 appearances. It is his current, hot form that has caused West Ham to reignite their interest in the Congo international.
West Ham have several problems of their own. They recently sacked Bilic after a disastrous start to the new season. The Hammers brought in impressive attacking enforcers in Arnautovic and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez but have not been able to get their game going and after bagging a meagre 11 goals in 11 games, the Hammers sit 18th with a feeble 9 points on the table. Their entrance to the relegation was the final straw for the board and led to the sacking of Bilic and they have now appointed David Moyes as a replacement.
Given West Ham’s current form, it is difficult to see them attract a player of Bakambu’s calibre right now. Moreover, with the relegation worries now well spread in the club, no player would be overly eager to jump ships to join West Ham United right now.
There is also the issues of having one striker too many at the club. A total of 5 strikers, all capable of starting for West Ham would mean that West Ham are loaded with options up front. Moreover, two of those five men arrived in the summer and will get more time to prove themselves at the new club. Adding a player like Bakambu here would create an unnecessary complication and it would mean leaving out 4 strikers on the bench at least for every match. Such a conundrum is not needed by a club who currently has enough problems of its own.
West Ham United would do well to identify their real areas of problem and buy players in that position rather than just chase strikers galore and end up with no one to supply the ball for them to score the goal.
