Perhaps alongside Georges Mikautadze, as per Gonzo’s article earlier today, West Ham have been watching a huge front man who has been described as ‘king of the penalty area’ – and yes, he’s the same height, 6’7”, as Peter Crouch but a little more deft with his footwork.
In their report today entitled “Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham eyeing ‘complete’ international striker likened to Luca Toni”, sports news outlet *tbrfootball.com*have suggested that the big frontman from Udinese, striker Lorenzo Lucca, is on the Hammers watchlist ahead of the 1st June summer window.
Apparently, Lucca “has the ability of a striker who is not that tall. He’s a very special player.” He’s certainly in West Ham’s budget range, apparently being available in the summer at under £30 million which ticks that box. Young, at 24, he also fits the age criteria for Graham Potter’s rebuild. And apparently surprisingly nimble on his feet. Certainly more encouraging that hearing repeated links made to Tammy Abraham which just make me shake my head.
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Skysports on the other hand in their Saturday podcast ‘one perfect player every Premier League club should sign this summer‘ have heartily recommended Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade as an’ advanced number ten’ to take the Hammers to new heights: £15 million apparently for another colossus – just one inch shorter than Lorenzo Lucca but much more of an all round attacker slash advanced midfield player.
6’6″ colossus Nick Woltemade
June will be here before we know it – intriguing to watch these rumours grow into ‘live’ negotiations as West Ham’s rebuild gets under way. And from the activity behind the scenes it is clear there WILL be a new striker arriving – probably two – which is why these news stories are quite so closely followed.
Which means there has to be a Potter blueprint for playing with a striker rather than just the two wingers Bowen and Kudus up front. Hang onto that thought if a 3-5-2 formation is announced again on Tuesday: The number of out-and-out striker being linked with, and scouted by West Ham can only signify a more attacking set up next season.
It is one thing to take Ferguson on loan and leave him on the bench – no manager would sign a couple of strikers at a £50 million-plus outlay and then let them kick their heels all season.