West Ham are embarking on a global transfer hunt to source a new midfielder and potentially a left back after Carlos Sanchez’s injury blow handed manager Manuel Pellegrini a headache, according to Claret and Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claim that with the summer signing set to be out of action for all of the season, it leaves the boss worried about another blow to any of Declan Rice, Mark Noble or Pedro Obiang, with the currently injured Jack Wilshere set to be employed further up the pitch on his return.
As a result, it is stated that the Irons are looking at targets in both Europe and South America to ease the pressure, while a left back is also being eyed up with Arthur Masuaku suffering poor form and Aaron Cresswell not favoured by Pellegrini.
Opinion
It was quite clear to see the lack of options when it came to midfield enforcers at West Ham before Sanchez’s injury blow, so the need for more reinforcements to bolster the position is more evident than ever. Declan Rice has been a revelation in the role, having been moved up the pitch from centre back, and so the question is do they bring in an experienced head who will be looking for a regular role in the starting XI, or someone to act as back up to the young talent, allowing him to remain in the side and develop accordingly? Really, what they need is someone on the same level who will be able to battle it out with Rice, putting him under the sort of pressure which will help him put in his very best performances, but will not have a problem being rotated in and out the side as form, injury or availability dictate. That is easier said than done, and it is why the net has been cast far and wide at this stage, so that candidates can be judged in depth before January. As for the left back scenario, Masuaku has not been looking too sharp and so Cresswell deserves a chance to shine – if he fails, then a new buy is needed.