With West Ham's injury woes, there wasn't any great surprise to see Simone Zaza signed by the club as they aim to strengthen their squad to build on their success from last season.

The 25 year-old striker left Juventus on loan to join the Hammers until the summer. Zaza was linked with a move to Napoli and Wolfsburg before opting to swap Turin for London. West Ham had been linked with a move for the Italian international all summer, so it came as no great surprise to see him finally end up in claret and blue.

Zaza has been one of the best forwards in the Italian game in recent seasons and the move by West Ham is a clever one as they kick-off their start to life at the London Stadium.

Here are five reasons why we think this is a clever move by West Ham.

Guarantee of goals

West Ham United v Watford - Premier League

Zaza has been impressive in Serie A the past number of seasons. His devastating form seen him receive a call up to the Italian national squad where he has been a regular feature in the team since 2014.

In his past two Serie A seasons, Zaza has scored 29 goals in just 58 appearances. If West Ham have ambitions to finish in the top seven once again, Zaza's goals may prove pivotal to their campaign.

International Pedigree

Italy v Sweden - EURO 2016 - Group E

Unlike many of West Ham's players, Zaza will join the squad after having played for one of the best national teams in the world. Only Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are on Zaza's level internationally and the experience the trio will now hold may prove beneficial to West Ham as they look to have an even better season than last year.

Zaza has played for one of the biggest teams in the world, so any experience he has earned domestically or internationally can only benefit Bilic's boys.

An upgrade on current players

West Ham United v Watford - Premier League

It's not a shock to describe West Ham's striking options as pathetic. Diafra Sakho, Andy Carroll and Ashley Fletcher are all strikers who cannot compete with Zaza's quality.

With Carroll always on the injury table, Fletcher's inexperience and Sakho was was wanted out by Bilic it now means Zaza is definitely the club's best option as a forward. Andre Ayew will prove a valued competitor when he returns fit but his flexibility allows him to play in a number of positions.

A loan with the option to buy

Italy v Republic of Ireland - EURO 2016 - Group E

In Premier League history there have been numerous forwards who have joined from Serie A and failed to cut the mustard. Regarding Zaza, West Ham have signed the 25 year-old on a loan deal with the option to buy.

If Zaza does not prove an adequate player for West Ham's ambitions then we may see the Hammers fail to meet the £25million option to buy.

He suits West Ham's style

West Ham United v Watford - Premier League

Zaza is a quick, strong and well-rounded left-footed forward, with solid technique and an eye for goal. A versatile and hard-working player, he is capable of playing both as a centre-forward and off another player as a second striker.

Due to his physical attributes and his positional sense, he also excels in the air which will benefit the Hammers due to their constant physical and demanding play from wide positions.