West Ham United could face a transfer battle for a Premier League forward as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad…
What’s the news?
Speaking on talkSPORT at the start of the month, journalist Alex Crook suggested that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino could either leave this month or in the summer while mentioning West Ham as a club that could be interested.
He said: “I could see Firmino leaving, certainly in the summer, if not this month. I think there will be clubs looking at Firmino maybe West Ham, who need firepower.
“Half of the Premier League would want Firmino if he became available.”
According to a report from Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Hammers News), West Ham now face competition for his signature, with Serie A giants Inter Milan interested in the Brazilian.
The report also states the 31-year-old could leave for nothing and Moyes should be doing everything he can to sign him.
Dream Antonio heir
West Ham have struggled to replicate their impressive performances from last season during this campaign as they currently languish just above the relegation zone, Moyes needs something to click in the next few weeks in order to preserve their top-flight status.
The club have the joint-fourth lowest goal tally in the division, largely down to Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca netting just twice and three times respectively, and strengthening this area is a priority.
Antonio has recently been linked with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the transfer window and despite scoring 66 goals since joining in 2015, it is time Moyes brought someone to the club who could take over from the 32-year-old, and Firmino could be the ideal heir.
Indeed, this season, the Liverpool frontman has been excellent and has registered more goals (seven to two), shots on target per game (1.94 to 0.70), goal-creating actions (seven to six), and shot-creating actions per match (3.68 to 2.29), proving that he is still performing at the highest level.
Despite Liverpool’s rather lacklustre season so far, the £180k-per-week forward has arguably been one of their few bright sparks when he has played. According to FBref, he is still one of the continent's finest players in comparison to positional peers across the top five leagues, ranking in the top 10% for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and tackles.
Dubbed “world-class” by teammate Andy Robertson in 2019, Firmino could be an excellent addition for West Ham, especially with the likelihood of Antonio leaving the club sooner rather than later.
A summer move is the most realistic option, however, if Moyes could somehow lure the Brazilian to West Ham in the next couple of days, it could be the catalyst for a successful push away from the relegation zone.