West Ham have reportedly been linked with a move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, but now a new update has emerged regarding their potential pursuit of him.
The Hammers have assembled a strong squad in recent years, with David Moyes adding genuine quality to their ranks, from Lucas Paqueta to James Ward-Prowse.
In attack, it could be argued that a little more depth is required moving forward, especially as Michail Antonio is now 33 years of age, not to mention currently being out injured.
While Jarrod Bowen has excelled this season, scoring eight goals in the Premier League, Tomas Soucek is next on the list with a tally of just three, showing that more firepower is needed.
One player who has been seen as a target for West Ham is Solanke, who continues to be a key player for Bournemouth, netting six times in 12 league starts in 2023/24 to date.
According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, however, the Cherries will not entertain the idea of selling the 26-year-old to the Hammers, instead rejecting any offers that come their way.
Bournemouth insisted on keeping hold of Solanke during the summer transfer window and that will remain the same in January, when “their stance will also be made clear”.
The report states that the south coast club “are aware that keeping the ex-Liverpool man could be the difference between them staying in the Premier League and being relegated back to the Championship.”
This has to act as a blow for West Ham, with Solanke someone who could be an excellent long-term replacement for Antonio, possessing similar levels of power and hold-up play leading the line.
He has come on so much as a player since his younger days at Liverpool, and there is no reason why can’t find further gears, considering he is still only in his mid-2os.
For now, it may be that West Ham have to look elsewhere for an attacking signing unless the situation changes – either way, it is important that someone comes in, in order to improve the options at Moyes’ disposal between now and the end of this season, and beyond the current campaign.
