The writing could be on the wall for Andy Carroll at West Ham United, with Manuel Pellegrini seemingly ready to make another attacking signing before the transfer window closes on August 9.
Carroll had to contend with a bit-part role last season, with Marko Arnautovic making the lone striker’s role his own and Javier Hernandez his partner or backup.
The Englishman only made 18 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers last season and scored just three goals as he struggled once again with various injury problems.
The Geordie targetman has proved useful on occasion since making his move to the London club from Liverpool permanent in 2013, but he simply cannot be labelled a successful signing.
And it looks as though his time could be up soon, with Pellegrini having flashed the cash this summer. Marca report the Chilean is eyeing a move for Real Betis hit man Antonio Sanabria.
The Daily Mail recently reported talks were held over Porto’s Moussa Marega and the Evening Standard say the club had a bid of £27 million rejected by Celta Vigo for Maxi Gomez.
With Arnautovic in fine fettle, Hernandez determined to kick on from a disappointing first season and Michail Antonio also an option up top, it would appear Carroll is very much at the back of Pellegrini’s mind, and that could be just what West Ham need.
It is time to stop settling for mediocrity and make a real go of challenge for a place in Europe. The business done by Pellegrini so far has been excellent and, if he can get one of the aforementioned strikers in before next Thursday, then there could be a very exciting season in store.
If these reports have any truth in them, then it is difficult to see how Carroll can stick around. Pellegrini liked his target men at Manchester City, as evidenced by his utilisation of Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo, but those playwrs were a cut above.
It is also worth noting that everything Carroll can do, Arnautovic can do better.
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