OPINION
West Ham should go after Inter Milan winger Antonio Candreva in January as the 31-year-old’s presence could ensure that Manuel Pellegrini’s side keep going strong in the second half of the current campaign.
The Hammers were offered the opportunity to sign Candreva in the summer, as reported at the time by Tuttomercatoweb, but based on the fact he didn’t arrive, it appears the London club passed on the chance.
However after the Daily Mirror revealed that Jack Wilshere and Manuel Lanzini could be out for the season with Andriy Yarmalenko set to be out a little longer yet after suffering a serious injury in October, the Hammers could do with boosting their creative options.
The Hammers need a player capable of aiding and creating chances for whoever ends up leading their front line, and Candreva would definitely do that.
The winger, who has 54 caps for Italy, has tons of experience and could easily aid the Hammers’ cause by playing a bit-part role that doesn’t leaving Pellegrini scrambling for options.
It would be a smart move to pursue Candreva due to the injuries at the London Stadium as not only could he do a job, he’ll likely be good value especially when you consider his ability.
Not only did Inter Milan try to get him off their books in the summer, which shows their keen to do a deal, he has only been sparingly used by the Italian giants this season.
Candreva has made 12 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal in the process, and has spent Milan’s last three league games stuck on the bench.
The experienced Italian international can play as a winger on either flank as well as an attacking midfielder so would be adequate cover for that reason also.
The attacker is a fantastic passer of the ball and is a threat from set-pieces so he could make a real impact for the Hammers even when just making cameo appearances.
Therefore the Hammers must sign Candreva in January following the latest report on their injury concerns as it would be a smart move that keeps them going strong in the second half of the season.
