West Ham United have made some big moves in the transfer market as they recently completed the signing of Sebastien Haller for £45m. The club is said to be keen (Evening Standard) on another striker, but they have used a good chunk of their transfer kitty on Haller. Therefore Pellegrini is on the lookout for players on loan or free transfers.
One name that has been linked with the Hammers is that of Danny Welbeck. The former Manchester United forward is currently a free agent after his contract with Arsenal had expired. West Ham were considering him as an option, but his wage demands could be a problem. The striker earned £115,000 a week at Arsenal, and the East London outfit doesn’t want to pay that much for a backup striker.
Why are the Hammers after a striker?
The club lost three forwards in this window as Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez departed from the club. Pellegrini currently has two outright strike options in the form of Haller and Javier Hernandez. Therefore it is understandable why he is looking for one more addition to add more depth and competition for places.
What could Welbeck have brought at the London Stadium?
Injuries. Jokes apart, the Englishman is still 28 and is an option worth considering. However, his injury track record will act as a deterrent to many of the clubs looking to sign him. Welbeck is a versatile attacker who can play in various roles in the attacking third.
The forward is known for his incisive movement and impressive pace. He also brings a lot of energy on the pitch as he is often willing to close down defenders. The Englishman can also cope with the physical side of the Premier League. However, inconsistency and injuries have troubled him in the last few years.
The right decision from Pellegrini?
The report mentions that wages are a big issue for the Hammers in this deal and we agree that paying that kind of money for a backup striker could be a bit too much. Moreover, one isn’t sure how the 42 times England international would go by his business after such a lengthy injury lay off.
The club will be better off looking for young players or players who would be hungry to prove themselves in the Premier League. Letting go of Andy Carroll due to his injury concerns to sign an equally injury-prone player like Welbeck would provide some fun banter to the rival fans. Therefore the club has taken the right call by ending their pursuit for Welbeck.
