Juventus striker Mario Mandžukić is reportedly a target for both the London clubs West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers as well as the Spurs have struggled in front of the goal this season and are in need of an option upfront who is a proven goalscorer.
West Ham, in particular, have been lacking a prolific goalscorer this season which has resulted in a bad start for the team. After the euphoria of last season, it was expected that Slaven Bilić’s men would be mounting up a challenge for the top 4 spots.
Currently, West Ham find themselves in the 17th place with just 3 wins to their name. Their record signing Andre Ayew’s injury put them on to the back foot from the start and the other options in the forward areas in Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri have not been up to the task.
Zaza, in particular, has been very disappointing. In fact, none of the strikers of West Ham have scored a goal so far this season. Michail Antonio has been the only player closest to a striker in terms of seeing his shots bulge the opposition’s net as the versatile player netted 5 times in his 11 games.
Since Slaven Bilić has taken over the reigns, the Hammers have been able to play some very effective football with the mercurial Dimitri Payet pulling the strings. Nevertheless, the team’s ability to retain their effectiveness during the set piece situations and dominate their opposition aerially served them very well last season. This year it has lacked a bit which is more of a reason why Bilić is eyeing up a move for Mandžukić.
The Croatian striker has excellent aerial ability and is the perfect option for a manager wanting someone to hold the ball up top and bring others into the game. Over the years, the 30-year old striker has been prolific in front of the goal scoring goals for clubs like Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus. His consistent performances make him a player a team can rely upon.
West Ham pursued Zaza in the summer after Juve signed Gonzalo Higuaín. They finally got him but he has not been able to adapt to the English game at all. Mandžukić, on the other hand, is one of those players who has the attributes West Ham need and his strengths are very appropriate for English football.
Having performed successfully in 3 leagues, Mario Mandžukić is an excellent striker to target in the winter transfer window. If signed, the player can be the perfect match for the club.
