OPINION
West Ham United desperately need help in the January transfer window, not just because of injuries, but because there are still holes in the squad to fill.
Central midfield is a big area of need, with Carlos Sanchez out injured long term and Jack Wilshere constantly picking up knocks. Manager Manuel Pellegrini really needs to address the position next month.
Sevilla playmaker Ever Banega would be an ideal recruit, and the Hammers should join their London rivals Arsenal in pursuing the experienced star.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on Friday that the Argentinian’s agent is currently in London, with former Sevilla boss Unai Emery keen on a reunion with the player at the Emirates Stadium.
While it could be difficult for West Ham to prevent Banega joining the Gunners they should at least try to bring in a player who would instantly become one of the most talented operators at the London Stadium.
Banega is a tremendously gifted player who has shown over the course of his career that he can create something out of nothing. The thought of him linking up with players like Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic should be enough to get any Hammers fan salivating.
Mundo Deportivo’s report also states that the 30-year-old has an £18million release clause, something that Pellegrini’s team would have no problem in activating.
If West Ham are going to continue to make progress under the Chilean and challenge towards the top of the table then this is the sort of transfer they need to be completing.
Manchester City’s rise saw them sign players from top teams and ahead of high level Premier League outfits, and that’s what West Ham need to be doing.
Banega is an ideal opportunity for them to do that while reinforcing an area of the pitch where they have been susceptible this campaign. It would be a no-brainer for the Hammers and they should seriously consider entering the fray for the Argentine.
