OPINION
If you discount striker Marko Arnautovic, you would find it pretty easy to conclude that West Ham have been severely lacking in firepower up front.
Yes, Andy Carroll, Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez are on the books at the London Stadium, but what good are they if they are not scoring goals on a regular basis?
The answer? No good whatsoever.
This is why it makes complete sense for the Hammers to seal a deal for Monaco attacker Keita Balde, a player who they are keeping a keen eye on, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
Manuel Pellegrini must pull off a masterstroke in order to bring him to East London in the summer, as he would add that extra edge to the strike force that would ensure that they are formidable.
He is on loan at Inter Milan at the moment, with his spell not due to expire until the summer, but once it does, the Irons must jump to the front of the queue for his services.
Balde has not netted so far this season, but he has scored 24 goals in total over the previous two campaigns, which is a pretty impressive statistic when you realise that he is only a winger.
Arnautovic needs the support and Felipe Anderson needs someone to share the burden of providing that – and seeming as he is able to chip in with the odd goal, a move for him seems like a no-brainer.
Balde will no doubt attract the attention of other clubs in the summer, and why wouldn’t he? The hot-prospect has bagfuls of potential that are ready to be unleashed.
He has the ability to tear up the Premier League if he is able to link up with such creative players, and the thought may just leave most of the West Ham faithful drooling.
Over to you, Pellegrini.
