OPINION
West Ham United’s attack has suffered from a rapid fall from grace recently, and Manuel Pellegrini needs to find a way of transforming it back to its former glory.
Marko Arnautovic was deservedly the first choice at the start of the season. His ability to bully defenders and hold the ball up were two attributes that Pellegrini no doubt held most dear. However, the Austrian is now firing blanks – and that problem needs rectifying.
There is no point talking about the likes of Lucas Perez. His contribution has been minimal and the likelihood of him staying after such a disastrous season is very high.
That just leaves Javier Hernandez. The 30-year-old has undergone a mini transformation of late, but it remains to be see where his future lies.
According to Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web, the Hammers were interested in Super Lig striker Mbaye Diagne in January. That is no surprise given his magnificent record, which currently stands at 23 goals in 27 games.
Galatasaray may have won his signature, but that that does not rule the Hammers out completely. Revisiting this hunt could put them firmly on the right track – after all, the goal machine’s figures speak for themselves.
This is exactly the type of forward that would get the fans bouncing once again. After the underwhelming impact made by their own strike force, they need a player who will get them excited again.
Diagne is just that player. Some may question his ability to translate his prolific form in an environment like the Premier League, and rightly so, but a tally like his one simply cannot be ignored.
Pellegrini needs to prove to the supporters that he can build a squad capable of challenging for Europe every season, and with Diagne’s addition, that aim would surely become a reality.
