OPINION
January is fast approaching, and for West Ham, it represents a key opportunity to tend to certain pieces of unfinished business that have been plaguing them so far this season.
Injuries and a lack of depth have exposed some of the flaws prevalent in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, and nowhere is that more apparent than in his striking options.
Beyond Sebastien Haller, who has struggled to maintain his early season form over the course of the Hammers’ current winless slump, the Chilean has very little to choose from when it comes to who leads the line.
And so, it was perhaps little surprise to hear that the Irons are keen on making a move for Chelsea outcast Olivier Giroud in the winter window.
According to Football Insider, the 6’4″ hitman is growing frustrated by a lack of opportunity at Stamford Bridge, having only started once in the Premier League so far this season.
And it’s easy to see why the Hammers are so keen. Giroud is a World Cup winner who averaged 4.1 aerial duels won per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, as per Whoscored, as well as 3.5 shots on goal.
He is a danger man, and one who could slot into Haller’s role effortlessly.
But according to a report from the Mirror, the Hammers could face competition from Borussia Dortmund for his signature, and that could prove to be enough to get fans squirming.
It’s hard to see how the Irons could compete with the offer of Champions League football if the Germans are serious about a swoop, and the only hope in that situation would be that Dortmund pull out, or that Giroud is too settled in London to move back to the continent.
When you start getting into ifs, buts, and maybes like that, however, the chances are that you’re fighting a losing battle.
