Strength in depth: 4 strikers West Ham should consider as back-up to Hernandez

West Ham United completed arguably one of the best deals in the transfer window so far this season when they swooped to bring in Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen.

With a proven record of scoring goals in the Premier League (for Manchester United) and the Bundesliga (for Bayer Leverkusen), Chicharito could prove to be exactly what West Ham have been missing for too long: a natural finisher.

The Mexican international could be the man who can finish the chances created by the likes of Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini.

However, the 29-year-old cannot do it alone.

With Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho spending lengthy periods out injured in the last two seasons, it has become clear that another forward is needed as a back-up option to Chicharito.

Now that Ashley Fletcher has moved to Middlesbrough, this has become even more pressing.

This back-up striker could come be a short-term solution (a loan), a cheap option or an investment in a younger player.

Here are four options for the Hammers to consider…

CLICK HERE TO REVEAL THE OPTIONS

Bojan Krkic

Bojan might not be everyone’s first choice but as a back-up option, he could be a shrewd addition if we can prise him away from Stoke City on the cheap.

The Spaniard is struggling to get game time with the Potters as he doesn’t seem to fit their system.

He might be tempted to join Marko Arnautovic in making the switch to East London.

The 26-year-old is not the most prolific striker in the world but he can also play in the attacking midfield area and that versatility makes him a good squad option.

Andre Gray

Andre Gray is seemingly unsettled at Burnley and is seeking an exit.

As a main striker, the 26-year-old is not the best option available but he is more than capable of replacing Ashley Fletcher as a reserve option.

The former Brentford marksman netted nine goals in the Premier League last season, which equalled our top goal scorer’s tally (Michail Antonio).

Gray could learn a lot from Hernandez and grow into an even better player with the service being offered by Antonio, Arnautovic, Lanzini and Ayew.

Lucas Perez

If we are looking for a short-term solution to our problems, Lucas Perez should be the man we turn our attention to.

After playing a bit-part role in Arsenal’s squad last season, Perez is seeking an exit after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time.

The 28-year-old knows where the net is and a loan move would be sensible for all parties.

We could face competition from Newcastle and his former club Deportivo La Coruna so this move would have to be quite swift.

Moussa Dembele

If we are looking to invest in someone for the future, Moussa Dembele is surely the man we should be targeting.

The 21-year-old has everything: pace, power, finishing, composure and youth.

The future is very bright for the France under-21 international and Celtic won’t be able to hold onto him for much longer.

With 32 goals in 48 games in his first season at Celtic, Dembele is hot property and West Ham should test the water with a big bid for the highly rated youngster.