New Arnautovic in West Ham’s Squad? West TIPPED to SIGN Player Who Can Do Almost Everything Like Arnautovic in January as the Attackers Struggle in Front of Goal

West Ham United Embarks on Quest for New Striker as January Transfer Window Opens

As the January transfer window officially commences, West Ham United finds itself in dire need of a new striker. The Hammers’ struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, and the recent injury to Jarrod Bowen has only exacerbated the issue. With Niclas Fullkrug’s future at the club uncertain and Danny Ings’ contract set to expire at the end of the season, West Ham’s hierarchy is acutely aware of the need to bolster their attacking options.

The club’s owners have been scouring the globe in search of a new forward, with targets identified in Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, Africa, and even Costa Rica. However, the blueprint for the kind of player West Ham sorely needs is none other than Marko Arnautovic. The Austrian star’s impressive spell at the club under David Moyes has left a lasting impression, and his conversion from an inconsistent winger to a feared striker in the Premier League has become the benchmark for West Ham’s recruitment drive.

“We need someone who can do a bit of everything like an Arnautovic,” a senior West Ham spokesman revealed to Hammers News. “But they don’t grow on trees.” This candid admission highlights the challenges West Ham faces in identifying a suitable replacement for Arnautovic, who became a fan favorite during his time at the club.

Arnautovic’s impact at West Ham was undeniable, and his departure to China left a void that the club has struggled to fill. The Hammers have signed 53 strikers since David Sullivan’s arrival as majority owner in 2010, with Sebastien Haller, Gianluca Scamacca, and Fullkrug costing the club over £100m. However, none of these signings have replicated the success of Arnautovic, who scored 22 goals in 65 appearances for West Ham.

As the club embarks on its latest recruitment drive, the owners are taking a more hands-on approach. Sullivan is reassuming control of transfers, having been disappointed with the way Tim Steidten and the manager spent £155m in the summer. This renewed focus on recruitment is a clear indication of West Ham’s determination to address their striking woes.

The Hammers’ search for a new striker has led to links with various players, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. The 20-year-old striker has been impressing in the Championship, and his profile bears similarities to that of Arnautovic. Delap’s physicality, pace, and skill have made him a coveted target, and West Ham’s owners are reportedly keen on bringing him to the club.

However, the club’s pursuit of Delap is complicated by Ipswich’s reluctance to sell while they are fighting to stay up in the Championship. This development has forced West Ham to explore alternative options, with the club’s scouts identifying potential targets in various leagues around the world.

As the January transfer window heats up, West Ham’s fans will be eagerly awaiting news of a new striker. The club’s hierarchy is under pressure to deliver, and the acquisition of a player in the Arnautovic mold would be a significant step towards addressing the team’s attacking deficiencies. With Sullivan taking a more active role in transfers, the Hammers will be hoping that their recruitment drive yields a striker who can make a tangible impact on the team’s fortunes.