Christian Dailly Hammers News

Strikers now Pellegrini’s main priority

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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini’s main priority for the remainder of the summer transfer window is signing new attackers, according to Claret & Hugh.

The reliable Hammers news source claims that the Chilean is aiming to replace Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez, with the former set to be released on a free and the latter having signed for Alaves.

Pellegrini’s team are still pursuing Celta Vigo frontman Maxi Gomez, but the Uruguayan international is thought to be seeking reassurances that he will not merely be second choice behind Marko Arnautovic.

Either way, the West Ham boss is keen to reinforce his striking options this summer.

OPINION

This makes sense from a Hammers perspective. Pellegrini is well set for goalkeepers, having signed two players to support first choice Lukasz Fabianski already this summer. The full back positions are pretty set in stone too, as are the centre backs. In midfield, the Chilean has an abundance of attacking options, although he could probably still do with another defensive-minded midfielder. That just leaves up front, where Arnautovic is the only reliable option at this moment in time. Otherwise Pellegrini has to turn to Javier Hernandez, who has admitted he wants to leave, or youngster Xande Silva. So it’s imperative that West Ham bring at least one more striker to the London Stadium this summer. Obviously Gomez is the one they really want, but he is concerned about his playing time with Arnautovic firmly entrenched as Pellegrini’s first choice frontman. Tell the player whatever he wants, the Hammers simply have to sign him.

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