OPINION
West Ham need to act fast if they are to secure the signing of West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon this summer.
The Daily Star claim Manuel Pellegrini’s side are monitoring the Venezuelan, who is thought to have a release clause of £16.5million in his contract at West Brom, with the future of Marko Arnautovic in doubt after the Austrian’s mid-season reported links to a move to China
However the newspaper add that Wolves are thought to be leading the chase to sign Rondon, after making contact about a move to the club this summer, with Nuno Espirito Santo believed to be feeling the forward would be an ideal competitor for Raul Jiminez.
Newcastle who signed Rondon on a season long loan last summer are also thought to also be interested in making a permanent move for the striker, with Everton also in the mix.
Therefore, West Ham need to step up their interest in signing Rondon if they are going to be able to manage to win the race to secure his signature.
Pellegrini’s side could be in need of a striker in the profile of Rondon this summer, with Andy Carroll thought to be being allowed to leave the London Stadium at the end of his contract.
That would leave West Ham short of a physical and powerful presence up front, which is something that Rondon, who was voted Newcastle’s player of the season after scoring 11 Premier League goals for the Magpies, would be able to provide for the Hammers.
A move for Rondon could also mean that some pressure is taken off the Arnautovic situation, if the Austria international remains at the London Stadium, with Pellegrini’s side somewhat struggling in the 30-year-old’s absence mid-way through the season due to the speculation about his future.
Rondon would be the sort of addition needed to help West Ham improve upon their tenth place finish in Pellegrini’s first season in charge of the club, with his intelligence and link up play highlighted by his partnership with Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez this season with both reach double figures for goals.
That is something the Hammers could benefit from next campaign, if they manage to secure a deal for the Venezuelan, with Javier Hernandez the type of striker who could benefit from having a more physical player to link up with up front.
If West Ham are to make a move for Rondon then they will need to ensure they act swiftly because the forward is a player in demand this summer.