OPINION
West Ham United have conducted their transfer business with ruthless efficiency this summer, with Manuel Pellegrini strengthening his squad in every department ahead of the new season.
The players that have been brought in all look like they will be able to contribute to the club’s success in a big way, with no sign of any big heads or unwanted influences.
The Hammers are seemingly not quite done with their spending yet however, with a hunt currently taking place to find a new striker following Andy Carroll’s latest injury setback.
And, if a reliable French journalist is to be believed, the club are also interested in a deal to bring former Newcastle player Hatem Ben Arfa back to the Premier League.
Nizar Hanini, who works for beIN Sports and is a reputable source for French football news, claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Hammers had entered the race for the 31-year-old free agent’s signature.
Nouveau prétendant pour #BenArfa : #WestHam
— Nizar Hanini (@Nizar_Hanini) July 26, 2018
If this is true, then the Hammers would be absolutely mad to go through with a swoop for the former France international, whose career has been a long series of disappointments.
Since leaving Newcastle, Ben Arfa has played for Nice and Paris Saint-Germain, most recently leaving the French champions after the end of his contract following a long-running dispute with club bosses.
Ben Arfa did not play one game throughout the whole of the 2017/18 season, with his reputation for troublemaking continuing to grow during his time in the capital.
The French attacking midfielder is a hugely talented player, there is little doubt about that, but his continuing attitude issues make him a huge problem for any manager.
For West Ham to buy such a player now would threaten all the good work they have done in bringing in quality, hard-working players this summer, and they must abandon any thought of signing Ben Arfa despite his obvious talent.
The club would be far better off without him, and Pellegrini must realise that before it’s too late.
