OPINION
While there has been some interesting transfer business during the summer window, only Brighton have made as many signings as West Ham – and the Irons’ moves should have the tongues of the London Stadium faithful wagging.
The Hammers have seen no less than seven new faces through the door this summer, the club splashing out on the likes of Issa Diop and new record signing Felipe Anderson as they look to improve on what was a roller coaster of a campaign last season – and they will have their sights set firmly on breaking the top eight of the division.
Two new centre backs, in the shape of Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena, mean that Manuel Pellegrini’s back line are looking particularly resolute going into the new term, but with James Collins leaving and Winston Reid a confirmed injury absence until October, another new recruit could not harm their chances.
If West Ham want to cause shockwaves across the Premier League, then they should be readying a swoop from London rivals Chelsea in the shape of powerhouse defender and England international Gary Cahill.
It is stated by the London Evening Standard that the 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) giant is eyeing up an exit from the club after six years at Stamford Bridge, with his playing time likely to be limited under new boss Maurizio Sarri.
With crunch talks with the former Napoli boss said to be scheduled, Cahill could be set for a move elsewhere, and the Hammers must be thinking about taking him to east London, which would be a shock both due to his calibre, and the fact the clubs are rival in the capital.
The club are perhaps the most ambitious right now outside the top six, and his experience and talent could be the platform on which the Irons can stun the rest of the league and make a push for the top eight – or even potentially higher.
It is an ambitious swoop, that much is certain, but his move, along with the rest of the captures they have made, would put West Ham among those challenging for Europe next season.