West Ham has not had a recognised striker since they let Sebastian Haller join Ajax in January 2021. Haller has gone on to be prolific for the Dutch side scoring 11 times in the Champions League last season.
The Hammers have had to make do with Mr. versatile, Michail Antonio, who has been converted from a right-back to a right midfielder and now a striker. Antonio has done very well as a forward for West Ham and is now their all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League with 56 goals.
However, his injury record is always a worry for fans at the London Stadium with him also experiencing a dip in form during some parts of the campaign. West Ham will be hoping to put their striker woes behind them as they prepare a bid for Chelsea’s Armando Broja.
According to Sky Sports:
"The club want to intensify their pursuit of the Albania international despite doubts over the future of Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.Granovskaia’a future is up in the air after chairman Bruce Buck announced he would be stepping down at the end of this month.Should she leave the club then the decision over Broja’s future is expected to be made by new owner Todd Boehly and manager Thomas Tuchel."
Broja starred on loan at Southampton last season and scored 9 goals in 38 appearances. The Saints are also interested in signing him permanently. With the Granovskaia situation, as well as the club he was loaned out to last season interested, fans cannot expect this deal to be done quickly.
Take a look at all six of Chelsea striker Armando Broja's Premier League goals while on loan at Southampton in 2021/22 ⚽ pic.twitter.com/DhDikZqFel
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 21, 2022
Broja needs to be playing regular football
Broja is only 20 and needs to be playing regularly. It may be smart to stay at Southampton where he did well last season. However, a move to the Hammers would be more ambitious as he can play in the Europa Conference League and will be in a side looking to secure qualification to the bigger European competitions.
The player was born in Slough and was eligible to play for Albania through his parents. He has 14 caps for his country and has scored 4 times. His parents must have known he was going to be a footballer as he shares a name with Argentine legend Diego Armando Maradona.
West Ham has already signed Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes which was announced yesterday. If the club can secure a striker, it will keep their fans happy; the Irons are not their club doing business early in the transfer window.
Sky Sports also added that West Ham are still working on a goalkeeper deal:
"The club continue to work on a deal for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who was on loan at the Hammers last season."
Although, if the club secure the deal for Broja then Michail Antonio could tick off another position he has played in for West Ham by going in goal!
The club let a few players go at the end of last season with club legend Mark Noble already retiring and Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks and David Martin all being released. The situation with Declan Rice is another transfer saga that is expected to drag on, although it will take a massive offer from a top club to lure him away.
Change is the only permanent thing, especially in football. West Ham fans know this more than most, as their club moved stadium just six years ago. But the fans can be hopeful with the business that is going on so far in this transfer window.