West Ham have confirmed they are chasing six attacking players at the moment but insist they are in the hands of other clubs completing their own business.
The six on the current priority list are:
O Kelechi Iheancho
O Javier Hernandez
O Olivier Giroud
O Michy Batshuayi
O Andre Gray
O Theo Walcott
Sources inside the club have confirmed that speculation over Hernandez is in fact correct and that they are ready to make an offer of approaching £100k on wages.
Talks have taken place between agents but we understand the player is in no rush to decide his future and will consider offers as they emerge.
The Irons still believe Olivier Giroud is the most likely deal to break as the Hammers wait on Arsenal completing a move for Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette which appears to be very close indeed.
We were told: “We are chasing the best available and there are six on the current list but everybody is waiting. Getting answers is a tough call. There’s a general reluctance to sell at this stage.”
No to Gray. He is a lot like Ayew and didn’t have a lot that impressive season. I would prefer Negredo who scored more with no help and would be less.
But neither our my top Choice. Also think Gray could cause issues in dressing room. And he wants what Ayew makes from £25k a week he makes now which is more than Lanzini is set to get bumper to £50k. And he didn’t band out 25 goals.
Ayew beside a striker like Vokes would do essentially the same prob better. So makes no sense to me.
…and in order of preference that should be:
Hernandez
Iheanacho
Giroud
Batshuayi
Walcott
Any two of the top three will do me.
I agree with JRS – avoid Gray.
…no mention of Jimenez rings alarm bells (Oh, hang on a minute…)
Good order I would try and give AC plus £15m or so for Giroud. They want a big target CF to come of the bench and Giroud wants to start. And that would free up AC wages for Girouds’ wages. IF we buy a player like Giroud AC should go love him but can’t stay fit. Giroud has only missed 28 games in 5 years bc fitness.
Imagine Chicarito and Giroud or Kelechi and Giroud working together. Giroud works great with fast players and he doesn’t get credit for actually good foot work.
If we get 3 or maybe even 2 we might should sell Ayew since he isn’t a winger for us his best position is in 2 up front or behind striker which is where we want Lanzini. And if Marseille offer £20m plus do we take? And then use that money for a need 2 footed or left footed creator. Love to have Gylfi but think he stays.
Someone like Cairney would be amazing but signing new deal bc they love their Gaffer or likes of Patrick Roberts. Was hoping to have Henry O for that 2 footed magician he is play anywhere up front. Thoughts?
And I like Theo but he is a winger and more comfortable there after made the switch. So depends if we are buying for CF I say no but he can play left wing.
Another issue is doesn’t seem to fit in the back 3 system he was having one of is not his best year with around 15 goals but when they switched to 3 at the back he didn’t fit and fell down pecking order. So if we intend to play that system again the majority of time I don’t think it would be a wise signing
Two of the above please…….with the exception of Gray – who is not Premier League standard. Ayew is much better.
Hernandez & Walcott . They would complement each other and gel in well with the team .
We all have our thoughts , obviously .
Two players who are alike doesn’t work . These two are different from each other and would give us that mix we so desperately need . Variation and options for 90 mins . Give Bilic something to work with if we don’t want to see him walk .
…and in order of preference that should be:
Batshuayi
Batshuayi
Batshuayi
Batshuayi
Batshuayi
At a push Inneacho on loan and perhaps Walcott.
The rest you can forget about them turning us into a top 6 team.
Any two of the top three will do me.
I agree with JRS – avoid Gray.
Glad to see Modeste does not feature.That could be a huge mistake but as for the rest I would take any 2 of the above without hesitation.
Walcott would be great on left wing and his 2 footed but he doesn’t want to leave Arsenal. Even tho after his best season he was cut off when they went to 3 at the back. And Wenger is set to sell some players to fund transfers and Walcott was on that list. So depends if they need the money I think.
While we are grabbing from Arsenal we should bid on Ospina who is only 28 and has premier and country #1 experience along with some Fa Cup wins. At £3.2m I think he would take our #1 spot and could sell on Adrian or Randolph and get our money back maybe more with Adrian