West Ham appear ready to up their interest in Ismael Kone following his most recent international performance against France. The Hammers are understood to have had scouts at the game and very suitably impressed by the 22 year olds performance.
The Irons latest transfer target, Kone, has been thrust to the front of the Hammers wanted list following the injury to Edson Alvarez. The Canadian midfielder from Watford, currently languishing in the Championship, is getting some serious traction in the transfer gossip columns.
On paper, Kone ticks some of the boxes. He’s young, with obvious room for development, and he does have the physical presence and technical skills to slot in. However, his experience against top-flight competition is limited, raising questions about his immediate impact in the Premier League.
Because of reports of a new restricted transfer budget for West Ham. The conspiracy theorists among us may suspect that Kone might be a budget option rather than a player actively sought. This approach, while understandable in financially prudent times, could leave West Ham short-changed in the midfield battleground.
Before a few days ago, I can’t say that I heard of Kone, I think it would be too much of a risk even though he could be a hidden gem. Surely the emphasis should be on proven quality that can deliver immediate results? With Edson Alvarez injured, Flynn Downes seemingly on the way out and Tomas Soucek’s future unknown, it could be that West Ham will have a busy window ahead.