West Ham United head coach Graham Potter will surely go all o to sign a top-class striker in the summer transfer window.
That point stands regardless of whether or not the Hammers are able to sign Evan Ferguson on a permanent deal before the start of next season.
Graham Potter has a real dearth of top-quality centre-forward options at the London Stadium at the moment.
In fact, Danny Ings and Evan Ferguson are the only two fit orthodox strikers at the club right now, and the Irishman is only with us on loan until the end of the season.
West Ham have really struggled when it comes to signing the perfect striker for our system over the past five or six years really.
Marko Arnautovic was the last proper centre-forward we had, and interestingly we apparently tried to re-sign him in January.
Potter will be well aware that his chances of succeeding at West Ham are heavily dependent on his ability to bring a proven marksman to the London Stadium.
He has someone very specific in mind according to one report.
Graham Potter wants Jean-Philippe Mateta at West Ham
Jean-Philippe Mateta could well be the man to lead the line for West Ham next season.
Graeme Bailey, via TBR, has suggested that Mateta is on the Hammers’ radar.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are said to be keen on signing the Frenchman as well.
The Palace hitman, 27, has been in sensational form this season, with 13 goals and two assists to his name in 28 games for the Eagles.
The six-capped France international is the archetypal target man forward, but he has exceptional technical ability as well.
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Mateta is an absolute powerhouse, and he gives opposing defenders real nightmares.
West Ham found that out first hand when he scored two goals against us at the London Stadium a few of weeks ago.
Mateta perfect for West Ham
The Hammers are crying out for a striker like the Crystal Palace star.
He’s an absolute handful for his opponents every single time he plays.
Mateta is just about to enter the prime years of his career, and he is the ideal man to lead West Ham on into an exciting new era under Potter.
His current deal with Palace was set to expire in the summer of 2026, before the Eagles trigged a 12-month extension, so he still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
The striker won’t come cheap, that’s for sure, but it will definitely be worth the Hammers’ time trying to acquire his signature.
If the 27-year-old refuses to sign a new deal with the South London outfit, they will surely be open to letting him move on from Selhurst Park in the summer.
If Graham Potter manages to bring Jean-Philippe Mateta to West Ham in the summer, I think it would be very smart business from us.
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