OPINION
West Ham only have one senior out-and-out striker at the club this summer in Javier Hernandez, as the club works hard to bring in reinforcements.
The Mexican international is currently in Switzerland with the squad despite Football Insider linking him with a move away from the club this summer.
That would leave Manuel Pellegrini with only Michael Antonio to choose, with the Englishman a versatile player who has been moulded into a makeshift forward after starting his career on the wing.
The ongoing transfer saga with Maxi Gomez looks set to come to an end this week, with Sky Sports suggesting that the Hammers have met the Uruguayan’s release clause (£44.85million).
Pellegrini doesn’t want to stop there with reliable club source, ExWHUemployee, revealed that he would prefer to target another forward to bring better strength in depth at the London Stadium.
Gazzetta Dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira recently revealed that Andrea Belotti is a striker that has taken West Ham’s fancy, but the latest report on the Italian international shows why the Hammers should steer clear of the 25-year-old.
Claret and Hugh claim that Torino have valued Belotti at £63million and that West Ham sources believe that figure is way too much.
The club representatives much stick to their guns and look elsewhere, with the Italian club majorly overpricing their main forward.
When you compare Belotti to Gomez via WhoScored, it is clear to see that the £20million difference in prices isn’t justified.
Belotti only scored two more goals, and only just outscores the 22-year-old in other areas. The main difference is their ability to work as a lone forward – Gomez is much more comfortable holding up play, with the Uruguayan being dispossessed fewer times, mainly because of his better touch. This all leads to the fact that Gomez also delivered more assists.
It is clear to see there is not a £20million difference in terms of performance between the two, with West Ham surely looking to steer clear of any potential poor dealings.
