Andy Gray delivers ‘unlucky’ West Ham United transfer verdict after what he’s seen
Andy Gray says West Ham have been “unlucky” in their attempts to sign a centre-forward and insists that is still an area in need of improvement.
The Irons are currently operating without a recognised number nine due to Michail Antonio’s injury absence.
Jarrod Bowen has filled in well through the middle as he scored once again in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of the game, Gray told beIN Sports [23 December, 12:25pm]: “This is as good a group of players I can remember at West Ham.
“I mean that. They’re lacking a genuine front man. But they’ve been unlucky trying to get people in. They need one.
“They have strengths all over – midfield, out wide. They’ve lost Declan Rice – but would you know it? They’ve been seamless in replacing him.
“They’ve also got options at the back and can go with a back five if they want, which David Moyes occasionally does.”
Fine form
If there is one area West Ham could do with strengthening in the January window, it is up top.
This squad is stacked full of talents, but a proven goalscorer who can allow Bowen to revert back to his favoured position would be ideal.
That said, Bowen – and indeed Mohammed Kudus when used there – is not doing a bad job of leading the line at all.
Other positions need looking at in the longer term, such as full-back, but for now the club should be targeting an out-and-out goalscorer.
That may seem a strange comment to make on the back of a 2-0 win over Man United, but it is important West Ham continue to improve.
The big problem, of course, is finding a striker who ticks all the boxes and is available for a sum within the Hammers’ price range.
Thanks to the brilliance of Bowen, it means United do not need to go all out to do so next month. Let’s just hope he can maintain this fine form.
In other West Ham news, the Irons must surely be bracing themselves for another transfer saga following comments made this week.