West Ham United reportedly want Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer but many fans do not.
With Fulham having been relegated, Mitrovic has been linked with West Ham.
According to The Sun, the Hammers are leading a clutch of Premier League clubs interested in securing the services of the Serbian.
The former Newcastle United striker has not only been an ever-present for the Cottagers this season but has also scored 11 goals and provided three assists.
Some Hammers fans unsure over Mitrovic
But many West Ham fans are dubious about the potential signing. Like West Ham’s current forward line, Mitrovic lacks pace.
And it has been consistently highlighted this season just how much Manuel Pellegrini’s side need an injection of speed if they are to progress.
Hammers fans are not alone either.
Last week Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson agreed with that assessment.
Thompson was talking about Mitrovic on the Gillette Soccer Saturday show on Sky Sports Football last Saturday afternoon (1:22pm, April 13, 2019): “I still think they need pace up front. Mitrovic is not going to give you that.
‘I just think West Ham need someone else’
“He is good at what he is, like that target man, backs in, holds the ball, but he has got no pace whatsoever, and I don’t think he understands this high press, how to press. Yes, he would be a decent signing, but I just think they need someone else.”
But a new statistic has emerged suggesting Mitrovic would be a very astute signing indeed.
Only three players have been involved in a higher percentage of their team’s goals this season than the 24-year-old forward.
Impressive statistic could convince fans
Mitrovic has had a hand in a remarkable 42% of Fulham’s goals and assists combined.
Only Salomon Rondon (43%), Raul Jimenez (46%) and Eden Hazard (49%) have better figures.
With Fulham going down to the Championship at the end of the season, it is hard to see the West London club keeping hold of Mitrovic this summer.
Reports suggest the club will demand at least £20 million from West Ham and other suitors for his services.