OPINION
West Ham need a striker this summer, that much is abundantly clear.
With Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez leaving the club, the Hammers look uncomfortably short at the point of attack, and if the season were to start tomorrow, Manuel Pellegrini would surely be worried about the options at his disposal.
To that end, the Irons seem to be going all out to land Celta Vigo hitman Maxi Gomez, as reported by the Evening Standard.
The Uruguayan would certainly be a fine addition in east London, and would solve Pellegrini’s striking issue, but it’s touch and go as to whether or not that deal will get tied up, with the La Liga side’s president demanding that the Hammers meet the £44.5 million release clause in his contract, as reported by the Football.London.
And all of that gets you to thinking, could there be an alternative for West Ham?
Bringing in a big name player is what every fan wants, but given the success Declan Rice has had at the London Stadium over the past 12 months, there is some merit to the argument that Pellegrini should perhaps turn to one of his youth players to help bulk out his squad.
If he were to do that, there would be no better candidate than Xande Silva.
The 22-year-old forward has made just one Premier League cameo appearance for the Hammers, coming on in the 2-0 defeat to Burnley last season.
But playing for the U23s, the Portuguese ace hit seven goals in eight appearances in the Premier League 2 last term.
Versatile and pacy, his strike rate is razor sharp, and he is at an age now where he has to be trusted with the responsibility of a senior spot.
Pellegrini must put his faith in him.
