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West Ham United's need for a new centre-forward was once again shown during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the London Stadium.

The Chalkboard

Marko Arnautovic was given the nod through the middle against the Foxes, but it was a tough 78 minutes for the attacker, who has just not been the same player since being linked with a move to China during the summer transfer window.

It was actually Arnautovic's replacement, Lucas Perez, who came off the bench to register West Ham's second at the London Stadium.

Perez has also struggled since his arrival, though, and the same can be said for Javier Hernandez - missing against the Foxes due to injury.

Michail Antonio impressed through the middle against Manchester United last weekend, but it is difficult to say that the Englishman is a reliable and indeed long-term option in that area of the field, despite scoring against Brendan Rodgers' side.

The Hammers could still finish seventh this season, but there is no question that bringing a new centre-forward to the club will have to be a priority this summer.

What type of forward do West Ham need?

Well, if Arnautovic could sort his act out then he would be the perfect attacker - big, strong and capable of making intelligent runs in the final third.

There is something wrong with the 30-year-old, though, and it seems probable that he could move on at the end of the campaign.

Andy Carroll is also unlikely to play for the club again, which is another indication of just how important signing a new forward has become ahead of the 2019-2020 season.

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The capital outfit need an individual capable of scoring 15 Premier League goals next term, which is easier said than done, but is certainly possible for the right price.

Felipe Anderson is the team's leading scorer in the Premier League this season with nine, but Manuel Pellegrini must ensure that is not the case next term.