OPINION
If there was one player that West Ham United fans would pick when asked who their standout performer has been this season, most would come back with striker Marko Arnautovic.
Why wouldn’t they? As far as they are concerned, he has been outstanding – he deserves nothing less than to be recognised for his efforts.
However, it is no secret that he is baring most of the burden, and that must be alleviated before he eventually burns out.
According to the Mirror, the Hammers are planning another move for Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
If any player can help solve the forward conundrum, it is Giroud – and Manuel Pellegrini would have played an absolute blinder if he managed to secure the services of the Frenchman.
As he has demonstrated so far this season, he is incredibly potent in attack – and this is just what the Irons need at the moment.
He did not make an impact on the Blues straight away after arriving from Arsenal in January – in what was a rather bizarre move – but fast forward to this campaign, and you will see him flourishing alongside Eden Hazard.
The 6ft 3in [Transfermarkt] ace has formed a promising partnership with the Belgian, and even though he is yet to get on the scoresheet this term, his contribution has been second to none.
That makes it even more surprising that Chelsea have not offered him a new deal, especially as his current one expires next year.
This is an opportunity that West Ham must make the most of, as it is not often that they have the chance to sign a top-quality striker like Giroud.
However, this move will all depend on whether Chelsea are willing to cash in on one of their prized assets, or whether they want to keep him in West London.
Nevertheless, Pellegrini must pull out all of the stops to ensure this capture in January, as Giroud may end up being one of the best signings that they have ever made.
