West Ham United need one of Junior Adamu, Ollie Watkins and Gianluca Scamacca this summer
West Ham United have been linked with a number of strikers to bolster their attacking options ahead of the next campaign.
The Hammers enjoyed a successful season in 2021-22 where they were a semi-finalist in the UEFA Europa League and finished in seventh spot in the Premier League.
It is believed that David Moyes is keen on signing a striker to freshen up his attacking options next season, more so because of Michael Antonio’s injury problems last term.
We take a look at three possible acquisitions the Hammers can make in the coming weeks to solve a little crisis up front.
Tough call
Ollie Watkins
West Ham have been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Watkins, according to Daily Mail’s report on May 11.
The 26-year-old scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 35 appearances for Aston Villa in 2021-22 campaign, and played 86% of the overall minutes for the Villans in the Premier League [Transfermarkt].
As per the report, Villa will be looking for a fee in the region of £50 million to let their prized asset leave.
Junior Adamu
The Hammers have been linked with a move for RB Salzburg striker Junior Adamu, according to Sky Germany’s report on June 6.
The 21-year-old had a decent time in the last campaign in Austria, scoring seven goals and providing five assists across 30 appearances for the club [Transfermarkt].
The report stated that Salzburg will be looking for an offer in the region of £8.5 million to let the striker leave in the summer.
Gianluca Scamacca
West Ham have been linked with a move for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, according to The Sun report on May 21.
The 23-year-old was extremely productive for Sassuolo in the last campaign where he scored 16 goals and contributed to the 25% of the Italian side’s goals. [Transfermarkt]
It is believed that Sassuolo will be demanding a fee in the region of £25 – £40 million to let their prized asset leave.
Verdict
While all three are viable options for West Ham, since Antonio still has much to offer, it does not make sense that the Hammers will invest so much in players who will be second-fiddle to the Jamaica international.
Therefore, they should ideally make a move for Salzburg striker Adamu, who will come at a reasonable price and is young enough to become the leading forward at the club in the future.
In other West Ham news, a deal is on the cards to sign a forward who Moyes once compared to Wayne Rooney.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.