West Ham United have made a surprise late move for Basel and Switzerland striker Albian Ateji – also being pursued by West Bromwich Albion – but should questions be asked about the club’s transfer priorities?
According to Football Insider, West Ham have opened talks to sign the 22-year-old but are exploring the possibility of a loan-to-buy deal, rather than a permanent one.
The report adds that Basel value Ateji at £8million and want to find him a permanent club, so a deal is far from being agreed. However, the Hammers seem hungry to add another striker to their ranks.
Read West Ham verdict
West Ham have already splashed the cash on a new frontman this summer, recruiting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastien Haller for £36million, but have lost both Marko Arnautovic and Andy Carroll.
Along with Haller, Manuel Pellegrini’s striking options consist of Javier ‘Chicarito’ Hernandez and Michail Antonio which, you would’ve thought, is sufficient enough if he wants to continue his preferred sole striker system.
Ateji netted an impressive tally of 21 goals in 43 matches for Basel last season and has seven Swiss caps to his name, and would admittedly add more creativity to the West Ham squad.
In my view, full-back is a worrying area for the Londoners going into this season though. Ryan Fredericks is hardly proven as a top-flight player yet whilst Pablo Zabaleta will surely a part-time player aged 34.
That’s just right-back, Arthur Masuaku is good but his back-up, the experienced Aaron Cresswell, hasn’t been up to standard for a couple of seasons now and an improvement probably could be brought in.
If the Hammers are looking for a loan deal, however, it suggests there might not be much transfer kitty left and Ateji would be a smart signing to wrap up a commendable window.
