West Ham United have been very busy in the transfer market during the build up to the new season by making no less than five purchases already.
Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diego Poyet, Enner Valencia, and Mauro Zarate have all joined the club, but Sam Allardyce is believed to still be searching for more reinforcements.
He could consider one more major signing, a player that could have the ability to step straight into the first team and make an immediate impact as some other signings may need time to adapt to the English game.
Here are SIX players Big Sam can sign in hopes of getting instant results...
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CLICK ON MATHIEU VALBUENA TO REVEAL
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Samuel Eto’o
Name: Samuel Eto’o
Age: 33
Position: Striker
Nationality: Cameroon
Club: Free Agent
Price: None
With the four-month injury to Andy Carroll, Sam Alardyce could make a move to sign former Blues striker Samuel Eto’o on a free transfer. He recently stated his intentions to prove Jose Mourinho wrong as a move to West Ham United could give him the opportunity to do just that.
Eto’o is a vastly experienced player who has made a name for himself at huge clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and most recently Chelsea. Already with Premier League experience, he can easily fit into the Hammers starting line up.
Joel Campbell
Name: Joel Campbell
Age: 22
Position: Attacking Midfield (Right) / Forward
Nationality: Costa Rica
Club: Arsenal
Price: £5 - £8 million
A permanent move for Joel Campbell could be difficult due to Arsenal revealing their desire to find him a place at the club in the near future. However, a loan will not be out of the question as he is desperate to prove himself worthy of a place in the Gunners line-up.
His exceptional form for Costa Rica at the World Cup made a host of clubs interested in his services despite his intentions of wanting to remain at the Emirates. Although West Ham United have added to their ranks with a majority of players, they should still consider the quality of Campbell should the side succeed in negotiations towards a switch.
Carl Jenkinson
Name: Carl Jenkinson
Age: 22
Position: Right Back
Nationality: England
Club: Arsenal
Price: £5 million (Set Asking Price)
Carl Jenkinson’s future at Arsenal looks to be nearing an end due to the fact that they just purchased their second right back of the summer with Calum Chambers. His place was already under jeopardy when Mathieu Debuchy joined, but not it looks certain he isn’t needed.
Having already played a few matches for the Gunners, his experience and training under Arsene Wenger could give West Ham some extra reinforcements in their backline as Jenkinson targets a more permanent and defined role at a new club.
Islam Slimani
Name: Islam Slimani
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Nationality: Algeria
Club: Sporting Lisbon
Price: £5 - £8 million
Andy Carroll’s injury means West Ham will lack an effective aerial presence in the opponent box as they look to capitalize on their 13th place finish. Islam Slimani has proven time and time again that he can score with his head and would certainly be a resourceful addition during the set pieces.
Slimani is another player who used his World Cup exploits to make a name for himself and is now a target for a majority of European sides. His two goals and one assist in four matches in Brazil along with his club form could be a great asset to a struggling West Ham forward line.
Mathieu Valbuena
Name: Mathieu Valbuena
Age: 29
Position: Attacking midfield (Right, Left, Center)
Nationality: France
Club: Olympique Marseille
Price: £8 - £12 million
Spending 12 million on Enner Valencia means that West Ham United aren’t afraid to spend, so if they can broker a move for World Cup star Mathieu Valbuena, they should really consider it. He was very effective down the right flank for the French national team, scoring one and assisting another in four matches.
For Marseille, he played a more central role, so his versatility can become a huge asset for Sam Allardyce’s squad. His pace and trickery down the sides could provide crosses that should come in favour of Andy Carroll when he returns from his injury.
Gary Medel
Name: Gary Medel
Age: 26
Position: Defensive Midfield
Nationality: Chile
Club: Cardiff City
Price: £8 - £11 million
Gary Medel’s World Cup exploits saw him produce some stunning defensive work as he was played in a centre-back role, different from his usual defensive midfield role for Cardiff City. He would relish the opportunity of being given a quick return to the English Premier League after seeing his side get relegated and West Ham could be a smart destination.
Sam Allardyce should really consider playing him as a defender due to his will to win back the ball for his team. He also grabbed the headlines for his determination after fans saw him put on an impressive display despite being injured and playing through the pain, eventually running himself out.