OPINION
West Ham United have a lot of problems to find solutions for after a terrible start to the season, but hope is there for them just across London.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been reduced to a bit part role under new manager Maurizio Sarri, having fallen behind new signings Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the pecking order.
It just so happens that central midfield is one of the Hammers’ biggest areas of need. It would be an extremely ambitious move, but Manuel Pellegrini must make an ambitious play for the Spaniard this January.
The former Arsenal man is out of contract in the summer, and is attracting interest from both Milan clubs according to the Express. West Ham can’t let him make the switch to Italy.
Fabregas would, of course be rather costly, but his wages are manageable for West Ham. The club’s highest earner Javier Hernandez is reportedly on £140,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], whereas Fabregas makes £156,000-per-week at Chelsea [Source: Spotrac].
So it’s actually not that far outside the Hammers’ reach. Fabregas would need to be the highest paid player at the club in order for him to join, and Pellegrini should make convincing the board to get a deal done a priority.
The 31-year-old wouldn’t have to leave London, and would be able to continue his career playing at the highest level in the Premier League.
It’s not as if he’s suddenly become a bad player, of course. This is a man who two seasons ago was a key part of Chelsea’s title win under Antonio Conte.
He would instantly become the best player at the London Stadium, but would also provide a winning mentality that would galvanise the other players.
Playing alongside Fabregas would do wonders for Jack Wilshere, who has struggled since he joined the club. West Ham are in a hole right now and they need to think outside the box. An ambitious January move like this is exactly what’s required.
They need to go in and bid £20million for Fabregas, ensuring that they’re able to pick him up ahead of the two Milan sides. If they offer a decent amount of money in January then Chelsea will be forced to sell so that they don’t lose the Spaniard for nothing in the summer.
This is an ambitious, costly, but necessary move for the club, and is one that could transform their season. It may well be a long shot, but West Ham need to gamble on Fabregas if they’re to turn their season around.
