In 2021/22, West Ham have had perhaps their finest season in recent memory. A seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League semi-final were the two main highlights in a campaign which gave the London Stadium faithful some wonderful memories.
The chance of further European success will come next season, and David Moyes is duly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of an important campaign.
One of the main areas for improvement is the centre-forward position. With sole centre-forward Michail Antonio netting 13 goals, Moyes relied mainly on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (18) to find the net during the course of the season.
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West Ham transfer targets
The club have been linked with strikers such as Armando Broja and Valentin Castellanos, but there is another name out there which could give Moyes the goals and assists that he requires at West Ham.
In January, Foot Mercato reported that the Hammers were interested in Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, and there has now been an update regarding his position at the club.
The Ligue 1 club's president Marc Keller stated that if “a significant offer is made”, they would consider it. This could be a big boost to Moyes, and with the striker’s asking price being set at £12.6m, it’s a fee that the Irons could comfortably afford.
West Ham's own Griezmann?
With 12 goals and eight assists this season, Ajorque could be the ideal striker for Moyes to sign. The 28-year-old is compared to compatriot Antoine Griezmann on FBRef, and its clear to see why,
Both players are excellent in the air and extremely dangerous with the ball at their feet. They both averaged over 2.4 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2021/22 (2.47 for Ajorque and 2.57 for Griezmann) and both also contributed well defensively, winning 25 and 26 tackles respectively.
West Ham could secure an excellent player for a minimal fee by moving for the Strasbourg marksman, and with the Ligue 1 club's president willing to sell if a good offer comes in, Moyes should act sooner rather than later.