Some time later today I’m told the Hammers will officially announce the arrival of Pablo Fornals as the club’s latest signing.
We have learned the hugely talented midfielder has agreed to a five year – possibly longer – deal with the club remaining a little shy on the precise detail.
Cost estimates have a £40 million ceiling but that will include many add ons and the upfront cost is probably more in the region of £27 million.
They are the bottom lines but a sign that things are tightening up within the club on transfer gossip is shown that the Villareal player’s name wasn’t mentioned until 24 hours before it became clear that he was on his way to the club.
A more interesting aspect of all this is the sort of line up we are going to see from Pelle next season given the wealth of midfield talent.
Assuming that Manuel Lanzini comes right back to his best, his, along with Fornals and Anderson, will be among the first names on the team sheet.
And selecting a team from our current resources sees many very fine operators left on the bench or out of the squad altogether.
West Ham it appears is making real progress and this would be my squad – based on what we have at the moment – although it’s worth remembering the spending is not yet done.
So with the obvious question mark over the left back role here’s my team for the Citeh game – leave your in the comment section or on the Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/363174467150521/
Fabianski; Fredericks, Diop, Balbuena, Cresswell; Rice; Fornals, Lanzini, Anderson, Arnautovic, Antonio: Bench: Roberto, Zaba, Ogbonna, Masuaku, Noble, Snodgrass, Wilshere.
Not too bad is it but we assume there will be another striker on the way.
Hmm not sure he will leave noble out lanzini will miss out, if /when we buy a forward they will surely play so, 3 -5-2?
What about Yarmalenko
You Missed out Yarmolenko. He’ll definitely be in the squad.
Key thing is everybody staying fit, never likely at West Ham. For me, we are still three players light. Definitely a striker and a left back and either another striker or defensive midfielder depending on who leaves.
First 11 is great but a couple more signings and I think we’ll suddenly have a first team bench also.
You may be right Dom but after a season out and a slow start to last season after injury not sure. Maybe he will. Hope so but Snoddy did’t do too mcuh wrong last year
He won’t start Fornals straight away. Noble as club captain won’t be benched but will be the most subbed player this season.
West Ham really could do with another centre-halve, left-back and a forward. Midfield I feel we have enough for the season.
Don’t know much about Fornals let’s hope the interest from other clubs means he is worth £40 million outlay.
COYI
Other than Rice, this midfield looks a bit light defensively. Considering the goals we shipped last season that’s gonna be an issue unless we tighten up. Is Sanchez the answer? Probably not.
Agree Strong. It is light and it’s a message I’ve been passing on every day
So I’ve been sold ?
Love Yarmelenko…
I hope not, I thought you were really quite useful before your injury.
I think lanzini will be on his way