Reliable West Ham insider EXWHUEmployee has reeled off a list of names of strikers on West Ham’s radar. Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast on Phoenix FM (Wednesday 3rd July), EXWHUEmployee told listeners that West Ham had some back-up options.
Maxi Gomez and Salomon Rondon remain the top two striker targets. With Marko Arnautovic potentially joining Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll out of the exit door, signing a striker has become a priority.
Celta Vigo striker Gomez is West Ham’s top target and the club will move for him again. But the 22-year-old is also wanted by Valencia and is undecided on his future at the moment.
Meanwhile, the Hammers will swoop for Rondon again. West Brom rejected West Ham’s opening bid but the club will return with an offer of money plus Sam Byram for the 29-year-old. Rondon is keen on a move to West Ham to reunite with Manuel Pellegrini.
But if the Gomez and Rondon deals fail to materialise, there are several back-up options for West Ham. Here are the five players EXWHUEmployee named on the podcast.
Willian Jose
Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose is one of West Ham’s options. The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in 31 La Liga games last season, as well as registering five assists.
Jose first moved to Europe in 2014 on loan and completed a permanent move to Sociedad in 2016. He has scored 45 goals in just over 100 games for the club in three years.
Moussa Marega
FC Porto striker Moussa Marega is a long-term West Ham target. Last summer, the Hammers tried to sign the Mali international (Sky Sports News) and this deal could be revisited if Gomez and Rondon fall through.
Marega is a quick and powerful centre-forward who racked up a tally of 21 goals and 11 assists last season, including six in nine Champions League games. The 28-year-old now has 45 goals in 100 Porto appearances.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
West Ham have also held a long-term interest in Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbia international was linked with West Ham, Watford and Brighton earlier this summer (The Daily Star).
Mitrovic looks set to leave Fulham this summer after their relegation. Despite Fulham’s disappointing season, the 24-year-old scored 11 goals and caused problems with his physicality up front.
Andre Silva
AC Milan are looking to sell Andre Silva, who has been watched by West Ham. The Portugal international spent last season on loan at Sevilla, scoring 11 goals, but they do not want to sign him permanently.
The 23-year-old scored 10 in 40 for AC Milan, struggling to recapture his form at FC Porto, where he netted 24 times in less than 60 games. Silva could be set for a new project this summer and West Ham might be an option.
Wout Weghorst
Towering Wolfsburg star Wout Weghorst is a striker built in the Andy Carroll mould but with a better strike-rate and a much better injury record.
The 26-year-old, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, scored 18 goals in 36 games for Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg last season. The Netherlands international had previously scored 51 goals in 142 Eredivisie games from spells with Heracles and AZ.