OPINION
West Ham might be keeping Marco Arnautovic on board until at least the end of the season but that should not stop the Hammers from chasing at least one new exciting signing before the end of the transfer window.
The Austrian has penned amended terms in east London after confirming he would be remaining after interest from China for his signature, but he is not the only Hammers forward who appears to be in demand this month.
The Daily Record claim on their live transfer blog (27/01, 11:54) that Valencia want Javier Hernandez – a fact confirmed by the Spanish side’s boss Marcelino – and that they are ready to pay up to £8million for the 30-year-old’s capture.
Now that sort of price tag does not seem very tempting for the Irons – it is what you might expect to pay for a top Championship defender rather than an international veteran with over 100 caps – but what should be tempting is getting his massive £140,000-a-week (source: Spotrac) off the books at the London Stadium.
He is a massive drain on the Irons and for someone who is not even a guaranteed starter is actually proving to be a huge waste of money.
Those funds could be invested into bringing a true superstar – someone who is going to change the Hammers single-handed – to the club and for as long as Hernandez remains that is going to be difficult, if not impossible.
It would be a surprise to see the Mexican leave, especially for such a low price tag, but it is in the best interests to cash in and reinvest on a new and improved talent.