West Ham will attempt to bring in backup for striker Marco Arnautovic and a new defensive midfielder this summer, according to Football.London.
The football news website claims that the Hammers were originally planning to target new additions at left-back, but strong performances from Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell have changed manager Manuel Pellegrini’s mind.
The 65-year-old now reportedly wants another forward – with Salomon Rondon and Moussa Marega both mooted as potential targets – as well as a new defensive midfielder.
OPINION
Backup for Arnautovic should be very high on the Hammers’ shopping list for this summer. The 30-year-old Austrian international only scored 10 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this term, and while he is still valued as the club’s top attacking talent, it is important that he is kept on his toes next season by another solid option behind him. Porto forward Marega would be a good addition; he is a strong physical presence, he is pacey and he is willing to bully defenders all game long. As for Rondon, he excelled by his own standards at Newcastle last term and would fit right in at the Hammers next season. But for defensive midfielders, it could all depend on whether Declan Rice stays at the London Stadium. He was fantastic in that role for the Hammers last season and could be a target for top-six clubs such as Manchester United or Manchester City in the coming months.