West Ham send delegation ahead of summer swoop for seven-goal striker
West Ham have already drawn up plans ahead of the summer transfer window, with representatives in attendance to watch a striker who has netted seven league goals this season.
West Ham have had a mixed campaign so far, though the majority of their failures have emerged as a result of their lack of goal threat.
Niclas Fullkrug was their big summer investment, but injuries have prevented the German from having a telling impact on the campaign, with concerns over the depth they have in that area.
Evan Ferguson was brought in during the winter window, though the Irishman has failed to hit the ground running for West Ham, and with the Irons having no option to make his deal permanent, the arrival of a striker will be a necessity this summer with one player already identified.
Serie A striker watched by West Ham ahead of summer window
The need for a striker at West Ham is evident for anyone who has watched their encounters this season, and it appears as though that feeling is mutual among those behind the scenes of the London Stadium amid links to Bologna striker Santiago Castro.
That is according to Tuttosport (1 March), who claim that the Irons have sent representatives to keep an eye on the Argentine forward who has scored seven league goals this season and nine in all competitions.
Inter Milan are also said to be keeping an eye on any future developments, with a price tag of £24.7million mooted for the 20-year-old.
| Bologna | Appearances (All comps) | Goals | Assists |
| Santiago Castro | 35 | 9 | 8 |
Castro is the exact type of target that West Ham should be pursuing for several reasons, the main one being his age.
At just 20 years old, Castro has the potential to develop his game to a new level, having already made a name for himself in the Italian top flight.
While it would be a big investment for the Hammers, it’s likely to be one that comes with minimal risk, given his inevitable sell on value if a move were to fail.
West Ham must sign a striker this summer
If West Ham are to get back to being a side capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League, there are several areas of the squad that will need some investment, with the striker department being their main priority.
That has been the case for many years now for the Irons, and until it is addressed, West Ham will be severely limited in their ability to progress on the pitch.
However, that arrival needs to be the right one. It needs to be a player capable of having an immediate impact while holding the potential to develop even further, and Castro fits that bill perfectly.