OPINION
With West Ham enduring something of a roller coaster season there will no doubt be the question of ‘what if?’ in the back of some fans’ minds – and certainly the thoughts of manager Manuel Pellegrini.
That ‘what if?’ is in regards to the vast number of injury problems that the Irons have suffered this season, with blow after blow that kicked off with Manuel Lanzini’s serious setback over the summer.
The likes of Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko have joined him on the sidelines as long-term absentees while Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, Marko Arnautovic and Winston Reid have also been missing throughout the campaign.
The midfield role has perhaps been the hardest hit and so a new option to help fill the void looks to be a must in January – the Hammers not needing to look too far for the ideal signing.
Step forward Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, who has been urged by former manager Hamdy Nouh to leave the Gunners over the next month to rebuild his confidence and force his way back into the plans of Unai Emery, with just seven appearances this season.
A versatile ball winner with an eye for the creative, the 26-year-old ticks all the boxes West Ham need in a player – including the fact he is likely to be available, even if many feel Emery ought to play him more often.
The Hammers can make their London rivals learn the error of their ways and make them pay by snapping him up in January, securing the services of a top quality midfield talent for near-to-nothing.
Arsenal will regret letting him leave in 2019 – West Ham must make sure it is them taking advantage of their rivals’ error.