The January transfer window is now very much on the horizon and West Ham are being linked with a host of players.
Despite a busy summer transfer window which saw nine new arrivals, West Ham still only have a 23-man Premier League squad.
Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo have all impressed for the Hammers.
But technical director Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui have faced criticism over their decisions in other areas.
Notably regarding the midfield and up front.
Niclas Fullkrug always looked a questionable signing for West Ham.
Ageing duo Michail Antonio, 34, and Danny Ings, 32, are out of contract at the end of the season.
So West Ham needed a younger forward who could lead the line for years to come.
There is no doubting Fullkrug’s credentials as a top drawer target man and finisher.
But at 31, with a lack of pace and an injury list that should have raised red flags, signing the German for £23.5m looks a mistake.
Especially as he has been out for six weeks and is not expected back until December at the very earliest – but more likely January.
That explains why West Ham are looking at a number of strikers ahead of the winter window.
West Ham respond to seriously exciting forward claim
Indeed a journalist has told Hammers News talks have already taken place about a potential loan deal for one forward.
The Hammers have also been linked with Colombian attacker Jhon Arias.
In fact RTI Esporte have reported this week that Fluminense star Arias will almost certainly join the Hammers.
The Hammers were linked with a move to sign Arias in the summer, with Fluminense believed to be asking for just £11 million for his signature.
That’s nearly half the price Steidten paid for Luis Guilherme.
The 27-year-old Colombia international is a right-footed right winger by trade but can operate through the middle or on the left too. He can even play as a striker.
Arias has scored 13 goals and laid on on eight assists in 47 games for Fluminense this season so far.
Arias possesses pace and power in abundance – something that’s a non-negotiable in the Premier League.
Now West Ham have responded to that seriously exciting forwardclaim and the top brass have set out the transfer budget.
Sean Whetstone counts majority owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady as his ‘ins’ at West Ham.
He claims his top source has specifically spoken out about the Arias claims.
And it’s not good news for West Ham fans who were hoping to see Arias at the London Stadium.
“A senior club source denied the report by stating “We have enough wingers”,” Whetstone said.
West Ham top brass set out transfer budget
Whetstone followed that news up by revealing on Claret and Hugh what West Ham’s top brass have said about the club’s budget for the next window.
While it’s a touch on the glum side, signings have not been ruled out altogether.
His sources say Steidten and Lopetegui’s funds will be ‘limited’ in January.
Limited does not mean there will be no money to spend, which is a positive.
The Hammers hierarchy told him: “We are spent up! And now £1.8m over budget after the 1.2% rise in employers’ national insurance.”
Offloading players will help towards any small-scale budget that West Ham do have.
Yes West Ham may be restricted to loans for January but they can be done with options or obligations to buy.
And there’s sometimes nothing better than having a forward on loan looking to earn a permanent move.
Especially in the second half of the season with West Ham – hopefully – pushing for a European spot.
So Arias may have been ruled out but West Ham will still be in the market for a striker.
Now it’s up to Steidten to identify the right one.
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