Report: West Ham in heated tug of war for free-scoring winger
One of the most disappointing aspects of this dispiriting season for West Ham United has been the lack of success in the final third.
The Hammers have enough talented players to be a force going forward, but for whatever reason it’s not ended up like that.
Stars like Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko and Sebastien Haller have all largely failed to fire this campaign.
The signing of Jarrod Bowen in January and the return to fitness of Michail Antonio has alleviated the problem somewhat, but not completely.
It’s no surprise then to see the east London outfit linked with further attacking reinforcements.
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato reported on Thursday that the Hammers are in the hunt for AZ Alkmaar winger Oussama Idrissi.
Italian heavyweights Roma have been monitoring the Morocco international for quite some time, while Ajax are also interested.
Meanwhile, the Hammers’ Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City are admirers of the 23-year-old, as well.
Would this be a good signing for the Irons?
It probably depends on how many of the team’s current wingers remain at the club moving forward. People like Yarmolenko, Lanzini and even Grady Diangana aren’t guaranteed to be there long-term.
Bowen has a track record very similar to Idrissi’s, but with experience of English football. They are both free-scoring wingers with plenty of end product.
That’s what David Moyes needs, but whether he feels that Idrissi is necessary after sealing a deal for Bowen remains to be seen.
It goes without saying that any move for Idrissi hinges on the Hammers maintaining their top flight status.
In other West Ham news, BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has delivered his prediction for Wednesday’s clash with Manchester City.