WHZ View: Forget Arnautovic – West Ham should consider move for former PL ‘warrior’
Recent reports link West Ham to both Marko Arnautovic and Diego Costa, but it is the latter who they should make a priority.
The Hammers have had a better start to the season than many would have imagined, but their attack remains a weak point.
Michail Antonio has impressed when leading the line but fitness injury issues in recent weeks have led Sebastien Haller to return to the side.
And it is fair to say David Moyes’ side simply aren’t as good when the tall Ivorian starts.
The 26-year-old may have scored more than Antonio, but the East London outfit have won just four out of the 10 league games Haller has started, with two of those coming against strugglers Sheffield United and Fulham.
If West Ham are to progress or even maintain their current standing, then a new striker is a must.
Adding experience
A move for former player Arnautovic would likely divide the fanbase, and after more than a year playing in China he presents a bit of a risk.
A similar argument could be made about Diego Costa, as he is now 32, but his pedigree and experience could have multiple positives for the East London outfit.
Along with a Premier League medal the striker can also boast of 24 Spain caps and 35 Champions League appearances.
It is such experience in Europe that is lacking amongst West Ham’s current options.
Added to that, he could fit perfectly into Moyes’ system, with Paul Merson recently describing him as a “warrior”.
His battling nature, which we saw during his spell at Chelsea, would allow him to fulfill the lone striker role at the London Stadium.
Antonio currently performs that role well, and Diego Costa shares his ability to hold up the ball.
Per WyScout the forward has a pass accuracy of 82% and he has won 29% of his offensive duels this term. Haller, by contrast, has won just 27%.
Added to that, Costa scored 20 league goals in his last season at Chelsea, and considering he is now available on a free, West Ham are unlikely to get better value for their money.
Merson is correct to label him a “phenomenal football player”, and he should be brought in ahead of Arnautovic.
In other West Ham news, Tottenham could make a move for Issa Diop.