Recent reports have linked West Ham to three potential homegrown strikers and could be available to sign in this summer’s transfer window.
According to The Daily Star, David Moyes is eyeing up three English striker targets to provide competition for Michail Antonio upfront.
Tammy Abraham from Chelsea, Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal and Ivan Toney from Brentford add up to a three-man shortlist for this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.
The Hammers will be looking to add extra quality and depth to the squad, as we continue to fight for a European place this season.
Each of these strikers possess goal-scoring qualities, but which of the players should top Moyes’ transfer list? We take a look at how good they are and whether or not West Ham should sign them…
Tammy Abraham
The Daily Star lists Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham as West Ham’s number one choice this summer. The 23-year-old is the Blues’ top scorer this season but has struggled to find regular minutes under new boss Thomas Tuchel – starting only 12 league matches.
The England international scored 18 goals last year under former manager Frank Lampard, and has again shown his qualities with another 12 goals this season.
According to The Daily Mail, Abraham is not willing to sign a contract extension while they still pursue other forwards, which could work in West Ham’s favour.
Although he may not be the perfect fit in our system, he has a proven Premier League goal-scoring record, is a great aerial threat and can run in behind defenders to get in good positions. Abraham would certainly be a great addition to the squad.
Verdict – Yes
Eddie Nketiah
Twetny-one-year-old Arsenal forward, Eddie Nketiah is potentially another player on West Ham’s shortlist. The Hammers apparently tried to sign him in the January transfer window, but were blocked by manager Mikel Arteta.
However, Nketiah has only started three league games this season, scoring only one goal, and has failed to make any of their past five Premier League matchday squads.
The England U21 international is approaching the final 12 months of his Emirates Stadium contract, which explains why Arteta may be keen on off-loading the youngster.
While he has shown his ability to make an impact on the game with his clinical finishing, a deal for Nketiah wouldn’t likely be any less than £20m. For that price, West Ham could invest better elsewhere, rather than taking the risk on the Arsenal forward.
Verdict – No
Ivan Toney
The last English striker to be linked to West Ham is Brentford goal machine Ivan Toney. The 24-year-old has been in emphatic form in the Championship this season and is certainly ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
So far this term he already has 25 goals and nine assists, making him the Championship’s top scorer and highest goal contributor (34).
Toney’s natural goal-scoring abilities are a key aspect to his game and his quick/aggressive playing style would suit West Ham perfectly. He does lack experience at playing against top-level opposition and would need to acclimatise to the Premier League, however.
Brentford only signed him in the summer but could now sell him to a Premier League club for up to £30m. Despite this being quite a hefty fee, he fits Moyes’ criteria and could be a great addition to the squad.
Verdict – Yes
