OPINION
Whatever happens this summer, it is safe to assume that it will be a busy one for West Ham.
The Hammers have a lot of deadwood in their squad that needs to be cleared out for both footballing and financial reasons, and the sooner that can be done, the sooner that the club can start looking at viable replacements to help them kick on and realise their dream of European football.
One department that is definitely due for a reshuffle is the Irons’ frontline.
Between Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll, and Lucas Perez, the Hammers were rewarded with just 15 goals in all competitions from their three out and out striking options.
Marko Arnautovic hit 11, but his form and attitude has fluctuated so wildly that he has been entirely unreliable since January.
As such, a new striker is needed – a striker who will perform week in, week out, and who will net a comfortable 15 goals a season by himself.
According to Football.London, the Hammers believe that man could be Salomon Rondon.
The 72 cap Venezuelan ace has been fantastic for Newcastle this season, hitting 12 goals in a side that isn’t always the most creative, and it is easy to see why the Irons are keen on him.
His loan spell on Tyneside is coming to an end, and as reported by Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder, West Brom have set the price of a permanent move at £16.5 million.
Salomon Rondon’s release clause set at £16.5million after West Brom remain in Championship. #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) May 14, 2019
That’s a lot cheaper than the reported £40 million release clause written into the contract of Celta Vigo target Maxi Gomez, and it is easy to see why the Hammers have reportedly put Rondon ahead of him on their wish list.
He has proven Premier League quality, comes at a decent price, and looks a lot more promising than their current arsenal of misfiring flops.
It’s an absolute no brainer.
